Once you hear the title Wealthy Paul, it is simple to make the direct connection to LeBron James. Paul has identified the Lakers star since 2002, and he has served as James’ agent since 2012 when he began Klutch Sports activities Group.

However over the previous decade, Paul has established himself as rather more than simply the man who negotiates James’ subsequent max contract. The 39-year-old continues so as to add marquee purchasers and climb up the record of essentially the most highly effective brokers in sports activities.

Oh, and he is not afraid to wield that energy. Whereas serving as Anthony Davis’ agent throughout the 2018-19 season, Paul publicly declared that Davis had little interest in re-signing with the Pelicans and needed to compete for a championship. The midseason commerce request created an enormous mess in New Orleans, however Paul’s consumer finally bought the whole lot he needed, profitable a title with the Lakers in 2020.

That type of daring strategy has pissed off these in NBA circles, nevertheless it has undoubtedly made Paul fashionable amongst a sure section of gamers. This is a more in-depth have a look at his prime purchasers and the way a lot cash they’ll earn subsequent season.

MORE: What Daryl Morey’s commerce historical past means for 76ers, Simmons

Wealthy Paul’s prime 10 purchasers by 2021-22 wage

(Full record obtainable at HoopsHype.com)

The place does Wealthy Paul rank amongst prime sports activities brokers?

(Full record obtainable at Forbes.com)

Why is Wealthy Paul a supply of controversy?

Throughout a latest look on “The Mike Missanelli Present,” TNT analyst Charles Barkley mentioned the commerce rumors surrounding 76ers star Ben Simmons, one in every of Paul’s purchasers, and sure spoke for lots of people when he voiced his frustrations with how Klutch operates.

“You understand how that group works. They attempt to commerce their gamers to the place they need to. … They do it the way in which they need to,” Barkely mentioned. “Anthony Davis, that they had higher offers from Boston for Anthony Davis, and I feel perhaps even New York, they usually’re like, ‘No, he is gonna go to LA and play with LeBron. He is not gonna play.’ They only bullied the league.

“And sooner or later, a group or the league bought to face as much as [say], ‘Wait a minute, I paid your man. You may’t bully me to commerce him and [I’m] taking some trash again.’ So, I am hoping anyone within the Sixers group bought some stones.”

MORE: How issues fell aside for Simmons and the Sixers

In contrast to earlier conditions involving James and Davis, Paul would not have a ton of leverage on his aspect this time round. Simmons could not need to report back to coaching camp, however the Sixers may inform him that he should present up in an effort to receives a commission. A holdout can be ugly, however Paul may push for that possibility if he’s set on forcing Philadelphia to make a transfer.  

If Paul figures out a option to get Simmons to his desired vacation spot beneath these circumstances, it will be one of many extra spectacular feats of his profession — and it will undoubtedly anger his most ardent critics.