LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, revealed a whiteboard that featured a host of teams in the hunt for his client's services during Friday's episode of his podcast "Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul."
One of those potential destinations is the New York Knicks, who Paul claims would've been the easy choice for James had they not broken their 53-year title drought this past season.
"I think it's difficult, right?" Paul said. "Because the last thing you want to do is mess up something like that, right? The Knicks have a good thing going. ... If the Knicks hadn't had won, there would be no board. He'd be going to the Knicks."
New York has limited financial flexibility and team owner James Dolan is adamant about avoiding the second apron.
They've already lost backup center Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics in free agency.
But James' latest decision won't be financially driven, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
The NBA's all-time leading scorer played five seasons under Knicks head coach Mike Brown when they were with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Paul says Brown understands what James could bring to the table and disclosed that New York has "checked in" with him about a potential signing.
The super agent added that Jalen Brunson "would literally have to pick up the phone and say, 'Hey man, it's no issue with me,'" for the four-time MVP to consider joining the Knicks.
"You want to respect what those guys have built. And also, it's Jalen Brunson's show," Paul added. "You want to respect that. He's earned that right."
James has been linked to the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Rich Paul’s white board for LeBron’s next team with realistic destinations 👀
— Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) July 3, 2026
(Via Game Over) pic.twitter.com/uCNLVFLa2O
The other landing spots outlined by Paul on the whiteboard are the Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and San Antonio Spurs.
Paul told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that 27 teams have spoken to him about adding James.
"Every day things change," Paul told McMenamin. "This is the first time that LeBron James is making a decision pressure free. He's won already. He's made good on his promise - he won in L.A.
"This is strictly for his happiness. What does happiness entail? It's a number of things. It's a bucket of happiness. It's basketball, it's living, it's camaraderie, it's competition. It's everything."
