LeBron James is golfing. The NBA is guessing. Rich Paul is telling everyone to relax.

As teams continue making their best pitch to the 41-year-old star, James has been spending his time with family and friends, including a golf outing with Draymond Green that immediately sent the rumor mill into overdrive.

Rich Paul said there is no timeline for LeBron James’ free agency decision as teams continue sending pitches through him. Getty Images LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers with Rich Paul after Round 1 Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs NBAE via Getty Images

But according to Paul, James is on his own timeline.

Appearing on the latest episode of Game Over with Max Kellerman, James’ longtime agent made it clear that the 41-year-old star is operating on his own timeline as he weighs where he will play in his 24th NBA season.

“There is none. I wish I knew,” Paul said when asked about a timeline. “He’s taking his time. He’s really evaluating things. I’ve really left him alone. Play golf, do the things you need to do. He understands where things are. When he’s ready, he’ll let me know.”

That answer captures the state of the NBA offseason right now.

James is the biggest name left on the market, but his free agency does not look like his previous turns in 2010, 2014 or 2018.

This time, he is not expected to command a max contract or force teams to preserve massive cap space. For the most part, his suitors are already built. James is expected to choose based on fit, title odds and what Paul described as “complete happiness.”

Sports agent Rich Paul attends the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs Getty Images Rich Paul talks with LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers Getty Images

That has left several contenders trying to make their case.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that leading suitors have been sending voice notes to Paul, who then forwards them to James. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers have all been linked to the four-time MVP.

Golden State offers the dream basketball pairing with Stephen Curry, but Paul framed the Warriors’ appeal in more practical terms. If James is judging strictly by postseason danger, Paul said Golden State is the kind of team “you definitely don’t want to play” in a playoff series.

Cleveland offers the obvious emotional pull. It is home, and a third stint with the Cavaliers would give James a storybook ending where his career began.

Miami offers familiarity and another chance to chase a title in a place where he already won two

Philadelphia has become a more serious wild card after adding Jaylen Brown to a core with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

The Timberwolves are a ready-made contender built around Anthony Edwards that could desperately use one veteran superstar to steady the wheel come playoff crunchtime.

Even at 41, James remains more than a ceremonial addition. He averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds last season while still showing he can tilt high-level games.

But Paul’s message was clear.

James is not rushing.

Teams can send their pitches. Fans can search for clues. But, ultimately, we will all have to wait.

When LeBron is ready, Rich Paul will know.

And not a minute before.

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