Rich Paul says Bronny James will not sign a two-way contract
If Bronny James does make it to the NBA, Rich Paul has made it clear that a two-way deal will not happen.
Bronny James is right in the middle of the draft process, having just finished participating in the NBA Draft Combine and Klutch Sports Pro Day at the Lakers practice facility.
Now his agent, Rich Paul, who also happens to be the agent for Lakers players LeBron James and Anthony Davis, has discussed one of the contracts Bronny will not be signing this summer with Chris Haynes of the Bleacher Report.
BR: Is it true that you wouldn’t sign Bronny to a two-way contract?
RP: Yes, that’s absolutely true. Teams know that. I’m not doing that.
Paul saying this is a strong statement to all teams that Bronny wants to be on an NBA roster only. Many second round draft picks become two-way players, splitting their time between the NBA and the G-league and that doesn't appear to be a path Klutch wants Bronny to consider.
Making this statement likely means some teams will be out on drafting Bronny. If they do select him, they either have to give Bronny a roster spot or drop him altogether since a two-way deal is something he will not be signing.
Bronny may scare some away, but the Lakers and other teams are expected to work him out ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft. With so much interest in his potential, someone will likely draft him this June even with a two-way contract off the table.
Lakers fans have expressed their desire for the team to draft Bronny and with this year’s draft class considered one of the weaker ones in recent memory, taking a flyer on the son of your biggest star isn’t the worst idea.
Whether they take him or even have the picks they currently have is also still a big question mark.
The New Orleans Pelicans can still take the Lakers’ No. 17 pick as part of the Davis deal, although reports have indicated they are likely to let the Lakers keep the pick and take the 2025 first-round pick instead.
Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka has also indicated a desire to potentially take a “big swing” this summer with their three first round draft picks, so maybe that will be more of the focus in late June than any draft prospect.
We’ll continue to monitor this situation as it develops, but one thing is clear: Rich Paul doesn’t want Bronny to join a team under a two-way contract and the Lakers are continuing to do their due diligence to see what draft prospects could fit on this roster.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.