New York Knicks center Nerlens Noel has sued agent Rich Paul and Klutch Sports. He is claiming $58 million in lost earnings. The claim is Paul convinced Noel to decline a four-year deal worth $70 million with the Dallas Mavericks saying he “was a $100 million man”. He also claims that Rich Paul lost interest in him after he suffered a torn ligament in his thumb. Noel eventually signed a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the league minimum and then did so again the next offseason. Noel ended his relationship with Klutch Sports in December of 2020.
Breaking on @SportsAgentBlog: Nerlens Noel has sued NBA agent Rich Paul, claiming Paul is responsible for $58 million in lost earnings.https://t.co/mW5a9SdxQI
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) August 24, 2021
Noel claims that Klutch Sports focuses on headlining clients like Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Trae Young among others at the expense of its other clients. Noel has since signed a three-year deal worth $32 million and that deal was negotiated by agent George Langberg. Some of that also likely has to do with his stellar year with the New York Knicks and their run to the playoffs. His defense set him apart on the Knicks roster last season.
Nerlens Noel with the big time block to help the Knicks seal the #4 seed ?pic.twitter.com/TuxCi6QDEM
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 16, 2021
It is unclear how far this lawsuit will make it and how much merit it even has. This report is concerning and if there is any truth to it then it needs to be addressed. The facts are Noel did turn down a massive deal with the Dallas Mavericks. He then received considerably less and seemed to have little interest in free agency. This lawsuit will continue through the legal system and we here at Def Pen Sports will keep you updated.
