Klutch Sports agent, founder, and chief executive officer Rich Paul wields an enormous amount of influence in the sports industry.
For someone with his background, the story is inspiring. It’s proof that the American Dream is real. Friend, confidant, and client LeBron James provides evidence of that as well. With their grit, savvy, and ability to maximize their own gifts, they’ve transformed Klutch from an idea to an empire. As of Oct. 2023, Paul’s agency represents nearly 200 professional athletes and has negotiated more than $4 billion in deals, according to CBS News.
Far from an overnight success, Paul has been disciplined. He’s been calculated.
He does owe a lot to James, who’s at the least the best player this millennium. Had the Akron native never taken such a liking to him, it’s hard to say who Paul would be. However, Paul has also learned from the likes of Leon Rose, another legendary figure in the sports world.
Will Rich Paul Become Next Agent To Join NBA Front Office?
When considering the path that Rose has taken to become the president of the New York Knicks, it’s worth wondering whether Paul has similar ambitions. Rose was an agent from 2007 to 2019, the face of CAA Sports. In that time, he not only represented several superstars but built relationships with them.
This is perhaps what he shares the most with Paul, whose clients trust them to take a holistic view of their career. Paul’s players don’t think Paul is just someone who knows the right people or can secure them a hefty contract. They believe that he genuinely has their best interests in mind.
In a similar vein, when the Knicks hired Rose, his reputation among players was a major factor. The franchise wanted, if not needed, him to convince them that they were an organization they should play for. There are multiple franchises that could see Paul in the same role. In fact, the Los Angeles Lakers —who James currently plays for —could use a bit of that magic.
Restoring The Lakers’ Glory
Ironically, the Lakers’ front office is largely led by another former agent: Rob Pelinka.
Pelinka is best known for representing the late Kobe Bryant. This undoubtedly had a hand in Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss and former president Magic Johnson hiring him. When the news broke, Johnson highlighted Pelinka’s “knowledge of the NBA landscape and the CBA, as well as his relationships with GMs around the league.”
For a time, Pelinka indeed seemed to be the right man for the job. Within three years, the Lakers had signed James, traded for Anthony Davis, and won an NBA championship. It’s been tough sledding since then due to injuries, questionable roster decisions, and poor asset management. Los Angeles is now having quite a lot of trouble acquiring difference-makers.
More Bob Than Rob?
If Paul can change the Lakers fortunes and achieve sustainable success, he would be their version of Bob Myers.
Now a sports media analyst, Myers was an agent for 14 years before the Golden State Warriors hired him as an assistant general manager in 2011. When Myers was brought on by the Warriors, it was his experience making deals and gathering intel that enticed them. Less than a year later, Myers was promoted to general manager. That’s when the fun really began for Golden State, who had missed the playoffs in 17 of the 18 previous seasons.
After adding Draymond Green, Andrew Bogut, and Harrison Barnes, Golden State’s defense transformed and they became perennial playoff contenders. After hiring Steve Kerr, who built a revolutionary system around Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, they became a dynasty.
All of that being said, maybe the Warriors would want Paul for themselves. Mike Dunleavy is certainly trying to get Golden State back into championship contention. However, he doesn’t seem to be the deal-maker that Paul is.
History doesn’t always repeat itself. Nonetheless, if anyone has a reason believe in how an elite agent can thrive in a front office role, it’s Warriors owner Joe Lacob.
