LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul made an intriguing claim about the 41-year-old’s level of interest in the New York Knicks. Appearing on Friday’s episode of his podcast “Game Over,” Paul said James wouldn’t have waited for other teams to inquire if New York lost in the NBA Finals.
“If the Knicks hadn’t won, there would be no board,” he said, pointing to a list of suitors on a whiteboard. “He’d be going to the Knicks.”
However, James isn’t planning on heading there after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday and entering unrestricted free agency. Paul explained to his co-host, Max Kellerman, that his client operates under a microscope. He suggested that James doesn’t want to mess up a championship team’s core, and out of respect for that, he won’t join New York.
Nevertheless, Rich Paul didn’t rule out a plausible pitch from Knicks star Jalen Brunson that could put the Knicks on the table for LeBron James. He said:
“Jalen Brunson would literally have to pick up the phone and say, ‘Hey man, there’s no issue with me.'”
He went on to say that the Knicks have checked in on LeBron James’ availability.
Exploring LeBron James’ fit with the Knicks
The New York Knicks would appear to be an intriguing landing spot for LeBron James. He has mentioned many times that Madison Square Garden is one of his favorite places to play. James has also been linked with the franchise before.
Currently, the most New York can offer is the veteran minimum contract. Given James’ preference for competing for championships and being happy, it seems he would accept being one of the lowest-paid players on the roster.
However, from the Knicks’ perspective, it would force their core to accept new roles. Jalen Brunson will likely continue to be the “1A,” but Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges might have to make the most sacrifices. Hart may even have to accept a sixth-man role.
James has made it clear that he wants to contribute to a contending team. Even at 41, James led the Lakers to a playoff series win last season as the first option. In the conference semis, some would argue that he outplayed reigning two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander despite Los Angeles’ series sweep loss.
It would only make sense for the Knicks to optimize LeBron James’ skills rather than give him a lesser role. That said, it makes James’ fit with the Knicks tricky. New York’s starting five was one of the best lineups on the floor in the playoffs, and with a championship to show for it, there’s no reason the Knicks should make massive changes.
Every player grew comfortable in their role, and that was the hallmark of New York’s title run. The Knicks don’t need another bona fide All-Star as of now. They would be better off acquiring a group of players who would be among those to settle for less than their actual market values due to various factors.
The Knicks did that last offseason by signing Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson, who played significant roles off the bench in the regular season and playoffs.
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