Three new teams join Bronny James’ pursuit in the 2024 NBA draft.
So much for Bronny James playing exclusively for the Los Angeles Lakers or Phoenix Suns. Though Bronny James, the son of four-time NBA champion LeBron James, has only worked out for the Suns and Lakers, three other clubs appear to be interested in him ahead of the June 24th NBA draft.
In addition to Los Angeles and Phoenix, James’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony that the former USC guard might be selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, or Toronto Raptors.
There are other teams that adore Bronny. For example, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors. “If it’s not the Lakers, it will be someone else,” Paul stated. “Minnesota would love to bring Bronny in, but I don’t know who their owner will be. Nico Harrison,Nico Harrison is like an uncle to Bronny. If the Lakers do not take him at 55, Dallas would take him at 58 and provide him a guaranteed contract. Masai [Ujiri, Raptors president], adores him. They might abduct him without ever meeting him at the age of 31. Workouts are not everything for these teams.”
It’s safe to assume Paul’s decision to go public was motivated by some sort of game. Why wouldn’t he try to put pressure on the Lakers and Suns—or any other franchise considering picking LeBron’s oldest son—to use a first-round pick on James by bringing forward extra teams who are purportedly willing to draft him in the second round?
Paul, probably the league’s most influential agent, denies that he’s treating Bronny’s draft date differently than he would a typical client’s. “If Bronny’s name was Charles Jacobsen and he was my client — I would do the same thing: identify teams that have real interest,” he said.
Bronny James’ stock heading into the NBA Draft
Bronny’s stock has been a hot topic during the pre-draft process, following his disappointing freshman season with the Trojans. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game, shooting 36.6% from the field and 26.7% from three. It’s difficult to separate James’ dismal college play from not only the overall dysfunction that plagued USC in 2023-24, but also the heart attack he suffered last August, which hampered and ultimately delayed his preparation for NCAA basketball.
James wowed at the NBA Draft Combine in May, with a 40.5-inch vertical leap and one of the top marks in shooting exercises. He also played effectively in his second scrimmage. But it was hardly enough to re-emerge as a surefire first-round pick, all but insuring James would likely have to wait to hear his name called in the second round of the draft—allowing for the chance that he wouldn’t receive a guaranteed rookie deal.
Paul, on the other hand, seemed adamant that Bronny will receive a guaranteed contract, despite the fact that he will most likely not undertake any additional workouts before draft night. Even the Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Raptors are unlikely to have the opportunity to see James workout in person. Only Los Angeles and Phoenix have had that luxury to yet. “Lakers and Phoenix, that was it,” Paul said of James’ final pre-draft workouts. “If someone contacts me late, there may be some last-minute details. “We’ll see.”
He is adamant. Bronny does not intend to sign a two-way contract either. “Bronny is the same as my previous clients,” Paul stated. “I made it clear to clubs early on that if you intend to bring Bronny in, here’s what you should know: If you don’t give him a fair deal, there’s nothing to talk about. It’s difficult to gain significant progress on a two-way deal.”
Bronny, who stands 6’2 and weighs 210 pounds with a wingspan of little more than 6’7, has the physicals and tenacious demeanor to be a quality backcourt defender at the next level. James’ power, which he inherited from his father, also makes him a potential switch defender against forwards and even unskilled bigs in the NBA, which is essential for role-playing guards to stay on the court in the playoffs.
Guys like Davion Mitchell, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White flourish in their roles, make excellent money, and get a lot of playing time because they’re locked into that role and know what they’re supposed to do,” Bronny said of his NBA heroes during the draft combine, according to HoopsHype.
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