NBA legend calls out agent's 'unprofessional' behaviour
Kevin Garnett has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind.
The Boston Celtics champion and former league MVP had some choice words for NBA player agent Rich Paul, who represents LeBron James.
Paul also represents wantaway New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis, whose recent request for a trade was not fulfilled before the deadline.
James’ Lakers were widely tipped to be strong suitors for Davis, reportedly offering their young core of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma, as well as a range of future draft selections.
The move backfired though, with the Pelicans holding out on a mid-season deal and the Lakers falling out of the playoff picture in the meantime.
Garnett said Paul’s desire to get a deal done mid-season was not realistic.
“I don’t like the way the process has come out,” he said.
“I don’t like the fact that the agents are dictating the whole move of this. Shout-out to Rich Paul, shout-out to Klutch and what they do, but this was a bit unprofessional, to be honest.”
Paul, a childhood friend of James’, was reportedly very aggressive in seeking to complete a trade as soon as possible.
This resulted in a number of proposed trades being leaked to the media.
"This was a bit unprofessional, to be honest."
KG gives his take on Anthony Davis' trade request pic.twitter.com/biQlFMxXme
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 17, 2019
The Lakers’ poor play at the time, including a 42-point loss to the Pacers, was widely attributed to the trade speculation.
“To call for a trade that you probably couldn’t get in the long run and probably know that it was a long shot to get done during a season like this? Not only cause hiccups in your own program, but think about the Lakers and the hiccups this caused over there.
“Those kids was playing totally different basketball than they were after the trade deadline. Y’all saw that. The energy was different.”
Landed in Indy; update on Lakers-Pelicans talks. Magic Johnson, Dell Demps talked twice today, per source. Lakers willing to give Pelicans cap relief for Anthony Davis by taking Solomon Hill for Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Ingram, Rondo, Lance Stephenson, Beasley, 2 1st round picks.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) February 4, 2019
New Orleans fired general manager Dell Demps in the wake of Davis’ trade request, installing former Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks GM Danny Ferry in the interim.
Several other teams, including the Boston Celtics and LA Clippers, are expected to be suitors for Davis in the off season.