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Norris Cole claims Rich Paul harmed his NBA career

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 2, 2026, 5:10 AM

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

Norris Cole claims Rich Paul harmed his NBA career

Summary

Former NBA player Norris Cole, a member of the Miami Heat, stated that agent Rich Paul negatively impacted his career. Cole, who played alongside LeBron James during Miami's championship runs, alleged that poor negotiations during his free agency led to his departure from the league. Cole emphasized the importance of being involved in contract discussions with agents, sharing that he eventually fired Paul after realizing the damage done. Despite Cole's struggles, Paul has since emerged as a leading agent, successfully negotiating contracts for numerous high-profile clients. Cole's experiences serve as a cautionary tale for future players regarding agent dynamics in professional sports.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Norris Cole played with LeBron James on the Miami Heat.
•Cole claims Rich Paul made poor negotiation choices.
•After firing Paul, Cole struggled to maintain an NBA career.
•Rich Paul has since established himself as a top agent.
•Cole encourages players to be involved in their contract negotiations.

Latest Updates

5:10 AMYahoo Sports — LeBron’s Former Teammate Claimed Rich Paul Ruined His Career

What they're saying

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Former Miami Heat player Norris Cole made a recent comment about agent Rich Paul harming his career. Cole teamed with LeBron James and the rest of the “big three” Heat when entering the league as a talented rookie. Miami often split the point guard minutes up with Mario Chalmers during three consecutive years of making […] The post LeBron’s Former Teammate Claimed Rich Paul Ruined His Career appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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