Reigning NBA champion LeBron James has left longtime agent Leon Rose and the Creative Artists Agency and will join a newly formed agency led by longtime friend Rich Paul.
James signed with Rose in 2005, when he left his first agent, Aaron Goodwin. Two years later, CAA purchased Rose's practice and the right to do business with James.
Rose negotiated James' last two contracts, an extension with the Cavs in 2006 and a six-year deal with the Heat in 2010. James has an opt-out clause in his deal in 2014.
Rose and fellow CAA agent Henry Thomas, who represents James' Heat teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, worked closely together in bringing the stars together two years ago.
Sources close to James insists that the All-Star is not making the move because of any hard feelings with Rose or his longtime partner William "Wes" Wesley. Paul has only been an agent for a few years, working under Rose at CAA, but quickly has earned the respect of league executives and owners.
The shift to Paul, however, could be the beginning of a shift of power in the NBA. Paul represented rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the No.2 overall pick of the Charlotte Bobcats, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson and Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe among others at CAA.
According to sources, Paul is expected to take some players with him to his new agency as is standard practice in the business. CAA also represents 2013 free agent-to-be Chris Paul, who is one of James' closest friends and is also close to Rich Paul.
