Ahead of his free agency, Burke switched agents last month from Toronto-based Mike George to Sam Permut of New York-based Roc Nation. “Timing was very, very important for me,” Burke said. “It was already something I was kind of thinking about doing but a lot of people may look at it and think that my past agent Mike George that he wasn’t doing his job but that wasn’t the case at all. “I just believe what I’m looking for in my career and where I’m trying to go, I feel like Roc Nation was a better fit for me, if that makes sense. Obviously being here in New York, Mike being in Toronto, I just felt like it made more sense. It wasn’t an easy decision. I think a lot of people look at it like he fired his agent. That’s one of the hardest things to do especially when you have a good relationship with your agent so I just think it’s the best fit for me and it’s a decision I wanted to make for my career. I knew if I wanted to make it I knew I didn’t want it to prolong throughout the season and be something on my mind. I wanted to get it done right then and there.”
Storyline: Agent Changes
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Insiders think that’s what Davis is doing, with the firing of agent Thad Foucher and hiring of Rich Paul, LeBron’s close friend and agent, all about the possibility of going to the Lakers. “Why else did AD do it?” asks an East GM. “Things are going great for him. The team is going good. He got the Derrick Rose extension [a five-year $150 million deal that each team is allowed to offer one player on his rookie contract.] “It’s not because of race. Thad Foucher is an Afro-American. It’s not because of agency. Thad Foucher is from the Wasserman Group and has Russell Westbrook. So why did he do it?”
Liz Mullen: BDA Sports has signed New Orleans Pelicans F Nikola Mirotic, who will be a UFA next summer. NBA agent Bill Duffy repping him. Formerly represented by Dynasty Sports.
The move also stoked paranoia in New Orleans, the city Chris Paul left in his prime shortly after he changed agents. But Davis said the move was aimed primarily at helping him become the “the most dominant player in the league.” “It was just for where I am right now in my career — what I’m trying to do — I thought the change was necessary,” Davis said Monday, when the Pelicans held media day on the eve of training camp. “That’s all it was.”
Theoretically, Davis also could try to parlay his agency switch into a trade aimed at changing the balance of power in the NBA, but whether he does so remains to be seen. “I’m here,” Davis said. “I want to focus on winning this year with the squad that we have. We have a good squad.”
Davis told ESPN on Sunday that he’s hoping to elevate the Pelicans to a new level this season and the agent switch is part of an effort to improve his overall game. “My focus is to win, to come in every day and do all I can go help this organization,” Davis said. “While establishing myself as the best player on the floor every night.”
Chris Haynes: New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis has signed with Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.
Bobby Marks: Klutch Sports now has 20 players on NBA contracts headlined by LeBron James, John Wall, Ben Simmons and now Anthony Davis. The first order of business will be next summer navigating a likely 5 year/$235M extension that will be on the table by the Pelicans.
Darren Heitner: Source tells me that Kyle Kuzma is also considering a switch to agent Rich Paul, who reps the likes of LeBron James & now Anthony Davis.
It’s a fact of life in the NBA. Franchise players are flipped around with astounding frequency, including James and Kevin Durant, who bolted from title-contending teams in free agency within the past three years. But the Pelicans, per a variety of sources, don’t seem particularly concerned about Davis exchanging agents, regardless who he hires. And they shouldn’t be.
Darren Heitner: Anthony Davis’ window where he couldn’t sign with an agent after firing Wasserman is now over. He is free to choose his new reps.
New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis has parted ways with longtime agent Thad Foucher, sources told ESPN. To officially change agents, players are required to file paperwork with the player’s union and then wait 15 days. Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, who represents LeBron James among others, is a leading contender to represent Davis, sources said.
Oladipo recently hired a public relations agent. He fired his basketball agent at Creative Artists Agency and hired William Morris Entertainment to boost his profile . “Some things just don’t work out, aren’t necessarily a great fit. I just felt like I needed time off from that aspect of the business,” Oladipo says. “I’ll worry about that stuff later. It’s a sign I’m going in a different direction.”
Jordan Schultz: Source: #Raptors guard Rawle Alkins has signed with Rosenhaus Sports. Alkins totaled 25 points and 11 rebounds — as well as the game-tying layup in regulation and the game-winning 3-pointer in OT —in yesterday’s win over the #Hornets. @RSR_Basketball
Mitchell Robinson is certainly acting the part of an NBA player now. According to league sources, Robinson, the Knicks’ 20-year-old project center who dazzled the Las Vegas summer league, has made an agent change already. Sources indicate Robinson, a Chalmette, La. product, has moved on from agent Raymond Brothers and has inked John Spencer, who also reps Lance Thomas. Spencer is a former Knicks scout under Ernie Grunfeld.
The size of the contract with the two team options is not the reason for the switch. Robinson was selected in the second round at No. 36. According to sources, those closest to Robinson thought he had a better shot at becoming a late first-round pick — with more guaranteed money — if the pre-draft process was conducted smoother and smarter. The day before the Draft Combine, Robinson’s reps decided to pull him out. Robinson, according to sources, believed that was a mistake. “He had trained two months just for the combine and he was ready for it,’’ one source said.
Liz Mullen: Clippers RFA Montrezl Harrell has switched agents, signing with @RosenhausSports NBA agent Bobby Petriella. He was formerly repped by Klutch Sports Group.
Kevin O’Connor: Pacers unrestricted free agent wing Glenn Robinson III has signed with agents Jelani Floyd, Daniel Poneman, Mike Naiditch and EJ Kusnyer, per source. Robinson was previously with CAA before switching to this group of independent agents.
Shams Charania: As free agency approaches, Bulls’ David Nwaba has signed with agent Charles Briscoe. Nwaba is expected to be a potential RFA target for teams after strong season in Chicago.
Guard Nick Calathes, a 6-foot-6 MVP candidate for EuroLeague power Panathinaikos of Athens, plans to rejoin the NBA as a free agent this summer, sources told ESPN. One of the EuroLeague’s finest playmaking guards, Calathes is expected to attract significant NBA interest as a backup point guard in July free agency. Calathes has hired James Dunleavy of ISE to serve as his agent, sources said.
Harden had been represented by Rob Pelinka until Pelinka became the general manager of the Lakers. Harden remained affiliated with Pelinka’s agency, Landmark Sports, but said he is no longer with Landmark. “I wouldn’t call her my agent,” Harden said of his mother’s role. “She’s somebody that helps me, obviously. It’s work, but I would call it her being my mom like any other mom would. It’s life, whether it’s personal problems or business problems.”
A special commission formed by Emmert to review college basketball and its persistent corruption is expected to make recommendations Wednesday that will address the one-and done rule. But it is not expected to change anytime soon, and Bazley is already making plans for a pro career. He has hired an agent: Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, a fellow Ohioan who represents the N.B.A. stars LeBron James, Ben Simmons and J.R. Smith. Paul declined to comment for this story, and Bazley’s mother, Lynnita Bazley, declined to make him available as well.
Kanter, who announced last month that he was hiring Mark Bartelstein as his new agent, has an $18 million player option this summer. It seems likely that Kanter will exercise the option, but opposing executives have come away with the impression that he was leaning toward opting out, presumably to pursue a multi-year contract. The executives referenced above drew those conclusions before Kanter hired Bartelstein, who, along with Mevlut ‘Hilmi’ Cinar, Kanter’s manager, will help guide the 25-year-old through his decision.
Kanter is switching to agent Mark Bartelstein and mulling not picking up next season’s $18.6 million player option, but claims he won’t make a business decision to sit the final four games. “You’re always thinking the business part, but for me basketball comes first,” Kanter said. “We’ve got four games left and the Knicks are still paying me. The Knicks are paying for me to go out there and — if I’m healthy — to go out there to play. So if I feel really good, I’ll go out there and play.
“It’d be really selfish to think about opting in or opting out or thinking about my contract and not playing, giving up on my teammates and my team. It’d be really selfish. For me the Knicks are still paying me, I’m still part of this team. If I’m still healthy I’m just going to go out there and fight.” Kanter is averaging 14.1 points and 11 rebounds on 59.2 percent shooting.
Liz Mullen: Lakers G Isaiah Thomas has returned to Excel Sports Management as a client. Agent Sam Goldfeder is repping him. He had left the agency briefly for Goodwin Sports last fall. SBD Closing Bell: bit.ly/2pYvRot
This doesn’t mean Knicks center Enes Kanter is opting out, but he’s ready to sign with a new agent — the highly regarded Mark Bartelstein, who runs Priority Sports, according to an industry source.
Kanter, who has one year left on his contract worth $18.6 million, said on the West Coast trip recently he was seeking a new agent but won’t evaluate his situation until after the season because it would cheat his teammates. Kanter will still be represented by Maestro Sports for other endeavors, as he’s taking advantage of the New York limelight — recently appearing as a guest on one of his favorite TV shows, “Impractical Jokers.”
Pensack Sports Management Grouphas signed Washington Wizards forward Chris McCullough, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, for representation. NBA agent Adam Pensack will represent McCullough. He was formerly represented by ASM Sports.
CAA Sports has signed Atlanta Hawks forward Taurean Prince for representation in all areas. Prince will be represented by a team of agents led by Dave Spahn and Steven Heumann. He was formerly represented by Impact Sports. Prince was the No. 12 pick in the 2016 NBA draft. He is averaging over 12 points and five rebounds a game and participated in the Rising Stars Challenge at NBA All-Star this year.
Do you think the team does anything with PJ Dozier after the report that came out? Erik Horne: No. The Thunder and these NBA teams don’t pay the NCAA any mind. Improper benefits have nothing to do with their business once these guys become pros. … Now, will Dozier (and Josh Huestis) change representation in the future? Both are repped by ASM Sports. But I haven’t received any indication yet that Huestis will do so.
Jeff Zillgitt: Spurs guard Danny Green has signed with Roc Nation Sports for his representation. Green has a $10 million player option for 2018-19 season.
Jabari Young: League sources tell @ExpressNews that #Spurs guard Danny Green has left long time agency BDA Sports and hired Roc Nation Sports to represent him #NBA
Jeff Zillgitt: Sixers forward Trevor Booker jas joined Jim Tanner’s Tandem Sports + Entertainment for his representation. Booker is an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Jorge Sierra: Wolves guard Tyus Jones is now represented by Kevin Bradbury of BDA Sports, HoopsHype has learned.
Liz Mullen: Grizzlies F Jarell Martin, Pistons F Brice Johnson, & G Markel Brown have all signed with Agent Brian Jungreis of ASM Sports. They had all been previously represented by Andy Miller, ASM Sports founder, who voluntarily relinquished his NBPA certification in December.
Jeff Zillgitt: Derrick Williams, who is playing in China right now, signed with Tandem Sports + Entertainment and agent Jim Tanner for representation.
Jorge Sierra: New Clippers guard Avery Bradley has hired Leon Rose and Andrew Morrison of CAA Sports to represent him on and off the court, HoopsHype has learned.
Michael Scotto: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Shabazz Muhammad has signed with agents Happy Walters and George Langberg of Catalyst Sports. Muhammad has a $1.8 player option for next season.
Pacers rookie Edmond Sumner is now represented by Sean Kennedy of Excel Sports Management, Sumner told VigilantSports.com.
Liz Mullen: Kristaps Porzingis will be repped by his brothers after Andy Miller relinquished his NBPA certification. “Now that Andy does not have his license anymore, not much is changing,” Janis Porzingis told SBJ.
Changing agents is nothing new in the NBA, especially for Jordan, who had employed three different agencies to represent him in contract negotiations in his first seven seasons. When DeAndre Jordan fired Dan Fegan in 2015, whose cozy relationship with Mavs owner Mark Cuban cast a shadow over the initial decision to sign with Dallas, Jordan was required by players association rules to wait 15 days to hire a new one. “He was deciding between Jeff [Schwartz] and Rich Paul,” a person familiar with Jordan’s thinking told Bleacher Report. “I had heard back then that he was 100 percent signing with Jeff.”
Michael Scotto: Former Grizzlies guard Xavier Munford has signed with agents Happy Walters and George Langberg of Catalyst Sports. @xaviermunford is averaging 24.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game in the G-League. He’s shooting 54% from the field and 64% from 3PT range.
Liz Mullen: NBPA to NBA players on agent Andy Miller giving up certification: If you currently have a Standard Player Agent Contract (SPAC) with Mr. Miller as the sole Agent on your SPAC, that SPAC is no longer in effect & you are free to sign a new SPAC with any certified NBPA Agent.
Adrian Wojnarowski: The NBPA sent out a memo to players that ASM Sports president Andy Miller has “relinquished his NBPA agent certification.” He was representing Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Lowry, among dozens of others. He also represented Chauncey Billups and Kevin Garnett in past.
Miller is the president and founder of ASM Sports, and many of his former clients are expected to remain with other agents in the company, sources said. None of the company’s most prominent clients left in the wake of the FBI probe, which included the arrest of an ex-employee, Christian Dawkins, in September.
DeAndre Jordan chooses new agent
After two years without an agent, LA Clippers All-Star center DeAndre Jordan has hired new representation with trade discussions and free agency on his immediate horizon, league sources told ESPN. Jordan, 29, has signed with Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, sources said, who will help navigate the processes expected to determine Jordan’s future with the Clippers.
The franchise’s devastating batch of injuries and an 8-14 start to the season has inspired rival teams to start reaching out to the Clippers front office on the availability of Jordan, league sources told ESPN. The hiring of an agent can be a facilitator for teams wondering whether Jordan would have interest in signing with them long term should they trade significant assets to the Clippers to acquire him.
Jeff Zillgitt: Knicks forward Michael Beasley has enlisted Jim Tanner and Derrick Powell of Tandem Sports and Entertainment to represent him.
CAA Sports has signed 76ers G JJ Redick and Rockets F Trevor Ariza, both of whom will be unrestricted free agents next summer, for representation. Redick and Ariza will be represented by a team of agents at CAA Sports, with Aaron Mintz and Steven Heumann leading the team. Redick was formerly represented by Wasserman, while Ariza was formerly with Landmark Sports Group (Liz Mullen, Staff Writer).
Jeff Green: It’s official ✍🏾💎 #RocFam
Brothers also signed Danuel House, a guard/forward, who plays for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G League.
He was a guest on your podcast this summer. Are you going to be bringing back the podcast regularly this season. JJ Redick: I’m in a little bit of a transition right now. I switched agencies, so I’m trying to figure out what I can do with the podcast. Again, it goes back to essentialism and time. It’s something that I really enjoy doing and I want to do, but I’m just trying to figure it out.
Joe Vardon: Isaiah Thomas hired Aaron Goodwin as his new agent.
Richaun Holmes, the 76ers third-year center, was non-committal about whether he would continue to be represented by ASM, the agency associated in the federal bribery investigation concerning the NCAA. Former ASM employee Christian Dawkins was among 10 arrested on federal corruption charges.
“I would rather not say anything and I am trying to figure out what is going on,” Holmes said after Friday’s practice when asked if he would continue to be represented by ASM.
It is not yet known what some of Miller’s more high profile clients such as Kyle Lowly, Serge Ibaka and Kristaps Porzingis will do. However, Myles Turner appears to feel comfortable with Miller continuing to represent his interests. “I talk to [Miller] every day. Keeping me updated on everything. Telling me you’re going hear stuff. People are going to want me to go here. People are going to want me to jump ship, but Andy’s my guy, man. I’m not going nowhere,” said Turner.
In the wake of the FBI corruption probe that has shaken the college basketball world this week, multiple clients have severed ties with Andy Miller, one of the NBA’s most prominent agents, and another has filed a $13.5 million arbitration claim, alleging he was defrauded, league sources told ESPN. Los Angeles Clippers center Willie Reed filed the claim in part because of Christian Dawkins, one of the 10 people arrested on federal corruption charges on Tuesday. Dawkins was reportedly terminated by Miller and his company, ASM, in early May following a National Basketball Players Association probe into the unauthorized use of a player’s personal credit card.
Darren Heitner: Confirmed Jaron Blossomgame is no longer represented by Andy Miller
Jeff Goodman: T’Wolves rookie Justin Patton has parted ways with agent Andy Miller, source told ESPN. Miller and Christian Dawkins had recruited Patton.
Darren Heitner: Sources: Several players have already terminated basketball agent Andy Miller
Wiggins no longer has an agent, not after firing one of the league’s most respected ones, Bill Duffy, after he negotiated a five-year extension in which the Wolves gave Wiggins all they could by NBA rules. Wiggins said Friday he’s not certain if he will hire another agent again. Instead, he has a manager, a lawyer and the experience of his parents, both of whom were professional athletes. “It’s not as hard as you think,” Wiggins said. “Me and Bill, we were good. It was nothing against him at all. It was more about a business point of view from my end. I wish him all the best of luck, I wish his agency the best of luck because they did nothing but good on my side.”
The process has been muddled by Wiggins’ decision to part with agent Bill Duffy and BDA Sports in August. Players change agents all of the time, but the fact that this move came with a megadeal on the verge of agreement made it a little unique. The ensuing confusion pushed negotiations back and Duffy is taking steps to ensure he receives a commission on the deal, given his significant role in shaping it. “Me and Bill, we were good. Nothing against him at all,” Wiggins said. “It was more from a business point of view from my end. They did nothing but good by my side. I’ve got nothing but positive words for them. I’m just taking it day by day.”
Howard is considering suing some of his former associates, but he is not ready to divulge names or make public allegations. He is rehiring Aaron Goodwin, his original agent, because he appreciates Goodwin’s blunt honesty in addition to his deft marketing. Goodwin agreed to return after Deebo downsized his unwieldy circle. The revamped crew includes Justin Zormelo, skills coach to John Wall, and Ed Downs, personal trainer for Chris Bosh.
Howard is considering suing some of his former associates, but he is not ready to divulge names or make public allegations. He is rehiring Aaron Goodwin, his original agent, because he appreciates Goodwin’s blunt honesty in addition to his deft marketing. Goodwin agreed to return after Deebo downsized his unwieldy circle. The revamped crew includes Justin Zormelo, skills coach to John Wall, and Ed Downs, personal trainer for Chris Bosh. The first time Downs dug his hands into Howard’s hips, the 265 pounder nearly leaped off the massage table. “He was so tight,” Downs says, “so stiff.” Anyone who watched Howard over the past five years has seen what Downs felt. The prescription, instead of more 100-pound dumbbell presses, was band work and deep-tissue massage, with flexibility and balance training.
Haitian big man Skal Labissiere has decided to change representation. King big man has left ISE Basketball and is now represented by Wasserman, as the agency confirmed to Sportando. Labissiere’s new agents are Thad Foucher and Jason Ranne.
Darren Wolfson: Buzz on Wiggins splitting w/ Duffy: he’ll land w/ an agent from Canada who works for a big U.S. agency. Max deal shouldn’t change. #Twolves
After agent Bill Duffy negotiated a five-year, $148 million maximum contract extension for forward Andrew Wiggins with the Minnesota Timberwolves, it is unclear how quickly Wiggins will sign the deal after he filed papers to sever ties with his representation at BDA Sports.
Minnesota management sent Duffy and Wiggins a contract for a rookie extension deal, but Wiggins filed paperwork Tuesday with the National Basketball Players Association to terminate his relationship with the agency, Duffy told ESPN.
Duffy, the chairman of BDA Sports and one of the league’s most prominent player agents, told ESPN on Tuesday that he had recently been made aware of rival agencies and potential start-up enterprises who were recruiting Wiggins with inducements that included no commission fees on contracts.
Nerlens Noel has hired Rich Paul of Klutch Sports for his representation. Noel is in the middle of a drawn out restricted free agency with the Dallas Mavericks. Klutch Sports has worked with a number of clients on lengthy restricted free agency periods such as Eric Bledsoe and Tristan Thompson.
Mike Fisher: ALERT: Source: #Mavs Nerlens Noel is CONSIDERING agent change from Happy Walters. Dan Fegan NOT presently involved, contrary to rumors.
Darren Wolfson: Further Shabazz M. buzz: he’s looking to switch agents, so his FA plot thickens. Will have more on this week’s ‘Scoop’ podcast. #Twolves
Lawson, the No. 19 pick in the 2009 draft, played for the Sacramento Kings last year. Fox is talking to a number of teams, including teams in China, about a deal for him. Fox is also helping Lawson with a footwear company that he launched last year called SLKRS. “It’s a combination of slippers and sneakers,” Fox said. “He’s a very savvy entrepreneurial businessman.”
Liz Mullen: CAA Sports has signed Philadelphia 76ers F Robert Covington. Agents Leon Rose & Drew Morrison repping him. SBJ: bit.ly/2sWrLRf
George Hill, having just completed the final year of a five-year, $40 million deal that he originally signed with the Pacers in 2012, has changed agents prior to becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Hill has hired Matthew Ward, Ward confirmed to VigilantSports.com. This isn’t a new relationship between the two; Ward has served as Hill’s financial advisor for nearly a decade.
Adrian Wojnarowski: After missing year, Mo Williams working toward NBA return, agent Raymond Brothers says. Also, Brothers now repping free agent Brandon Bass.
Jorge Sierra: Free agent guard Jason Terry is now represented by Ryan Davis of Runway Sports, we’re told.
Octagon also signed veteran forward/center Donatas Motiejunas, who played for the New Orleans Pelicans last season but will be a free agent this summer. Emens is representing Motiejunas, who was formerly represented by Wasserman.
Octagon has signed several prospects for the NBA draft, including Indiana forward OG Anunoby and Kentucky center Bam Adebayo, both projected to go in the first round.
Chris Haynes: Sources: Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss, Denver Nuggets wing Will Barton switch agents to sign with Aaron Goodwin of @Aaron Goodwin.
Butler, without representation since last offseason, has signed with Bernie Lee. The Toronto-based agent has filed paperwork with the National Basketball Players Association to finalize the agreement and the Bulls were informed of the change during Butler’s exit meeting this week.
Liz Mullen: CAA Sports has signed free-agent F Omri Casspi. He was formerly represented by Dan Fegan. SBJ: http://bit.ly/2rKUCpR
David ‘Dubi’ Pick: Octagon Sports has signed Pelicans free-agent Donatas Motiejunas, according to source.
Jorge Sierra: NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough has a new agent.
December 10, 2018 | 9:48 am EST Update
The Detroit Pistons have expressed interest in trading for Damyean Dotson, according to a league source. Luke Kennard, the backup guard, has missed games due to injury but also has not found a fit in Dwane Casey’s system.
While New Orleans is trying to win enough to convince Davis to stay, the rest of the league is ruminating about what it would take to pry Davis away. Such speculation is happening constantly now, but executives around the league see virtually no chance that Davis is traded before the Pelicans can offer him that super-max extension in July. New Orleans, as it should, will do everything it can to keep Davis — and will move on from him only if it absolutely has to.
If that happens, the Pelicans will have only one logical option: to trade Davis before he leaves in free agency. The same process has played out with several others, including Leonard, Jimmy Butler, DeMarcus Cousins and Paul George. None of them, though, would inspire the kind of bidding war an available Davis would. “That’s what you guys do,” Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said of the trade speculation. “You guys talk about it. He’s here. He’s playing on our team. We’re trying to win games. That’s the only thing that matters right now. “It’s not anything that I’m going to have a say-so in or anything else, so we don’t bother with it. We worry about now. We worry about winning games and putting everybody in the best position to win games.”
Interestingly, Jimmy Butler and Brown agreed in separate interviews Sunday that the Sixers’ offensive spacing is fine. Butler has flourished here since arriving Nov. 12, having scored 38 points in each of the past two outings. “I think the spacing is great,” Butler said. “I think we have a lot of guys that can put the ball in the basket. We just have to pick and choose where we’re going to be at a certain time. As long as we keep sharing the ball the way that we share the ball and guarding, I’m telling you, we’re going to win.
As for Embiid, Butler can empathize with having to adjust on the fly. “I know where his heart is, man,” Butler said. “I can feel for him. It’s new for myself. It’s new to him. It’s new to everybody. But we’re O.K. I know he wants to win. “He’s frustrated. He wanted to play (Friday and) coach didn’t let him play. We need him. He’s been doing a lot on both ends of the floor for this team. As our best player, I can understand him being frustrated. We’ll figure out ways to make sure he’s successful.”
But here they are, still together. Perhaps it’s because of Wade’s nature. Those who know him well will tell you he takes after his grandmother, who helped raise him and was extremely giving, accepting and forgiving. To be James’ friend for any length of time, maybe it requires a person whom James respects, but also someone who is willing to deal with the challenges James’ personality brings with it. Wade is one of the greatest players in NBA history; James certainly respects that. And Wade has been willing to roll with James’ changing moods and desires over the years. If Wade has ever held any grudge, it has never been apparent.
And Lillard, 28, is something of a media chaos agent: He had the NBA watchers watching him this summer as he broke news of reporters changing jobs, reminding them — occasionally by force — that no one at this level is in the business of keeping secrets. “Nobody knew where I was getting my information from,” Lillard would recall, and the power and insider knowledge was at times intoxicating.
