Stojakovic: Rich Paul blackmailed Kings into Fox-LaVine trade

Rich Paul is the CEO of Klutch Sports Group, which is a sports agency that represents over 200 athletes.

The most famous athlete a part of Klutch Sports is LeBron James, but other NBA players like De’Aaron Fox and Zach LaVine are part of the group.

TOP NEWS

WATCH: Tyrese Maxey’s and-1 game-winner

NBA 4 months ago

Malik Monk drops Lakers with 26-point performance 

Los Angeles Lakers 4 months ago

Russell Westbrook leads Kings over Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks 5 months ago

Related: Knicks denied an opportunity to speak to Mavs’ Jason Kidd in coaching search

Since both Fox and LaVine are clients of Rich Paul, former Sacramento Kings star player and assistant GM, Peja Stojakovic, believes Paul “blackmailed” the Kings.

“It seems there was a directive from his agent, Rich Paul, who played a key role and blackmailed the teams on which player was supposed to get traded where,” Stojakovic said.

“He brought Fox to the Spurs and Zach LaVine, who is his player, brought him to Sacramento. By doing this, he limited Sacramento from a business standpoint, stating that they get a bit more from this trade with Fox if they had the same discussion with some other teams in the NBA.”

Is Stojakovic right about Paul? It sure seems that way. Hopefully the Kings can turn things around next season.

One uncertainty is whether LaVine will stay in Sacramento. Perhaps the Kings should disregard Paul’s wishes and opt for a fresh start.

About the Author Published Jun 13, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1