Rich Paul addresses Cavs, James Harden amid LeBron speculation

Paul also addressed recent speculation surrounding the Cavs after comments he made on his podcast about Cleveland’s roster construction following the trade that sent fellow Klutch Sports client Darius Garland to the Clippers.

Those remarks led some to wonder if Paul wasn’t sold on the Cavs’ chances or if there was tension involving new Cleveland guard James Harden.

According to Robinson, Paul dismissed that notion.

“I like James Harden,” Paul said. “He’s actually my friend.”

Paul also stressed that his disappointment over Garland being traded hasn’t changed how he feels about the Cavs organization.

“I rock with Dan Gilbert, Chris Grant, Koby Altman and Brandon Weems,” Paul told Robinson.

While Grant hasn’t worked for the Cavs in more than a decade, Paul’s comments show the longstanding relationships he has maintained with key figures connected to the franchise.

James continues to be linked most prominently to the Cavs, Warriors, Heat, 76ers and Timberwolves. League sources continue to tell Hoops Wire that Cleveland is viewed as the frontrunner, though Golden State, Philadelphia and Miami are all believed to be making strong pushes.

James is expected to appear at Fanatics Fest in New York later this week, with many around the NBA anticipating that his long-awaited free-agency decision could arrive at any time.

Robinson’s wide-ranging feature also includes interviews with Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Ben Simmons, Dean Wade and Thomas Bryant, along with a deeper breakdown of how the Cavs and 76ers stack up as potential landing spots for James.