Nerlens Noel signs with LeBron James’ agent, per report

Finally, there is some movement on the Nerlens Noel front.

Noel has not signed whatever offer Dallas has supposedly presented, but according to Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders, the 23-year-old big man has hired Rich Paul of Klutch Sports for representation.

Noel joins players such as LeBron James, John Wall, Ben Simmons and Tristan Thompson as players represented by Paul. Paul is also LeBron James’ business partner and close friend, which may or may not end up meaning anything but is something worth pointing out.

In terms of how Paul operates, Tristan Thompson most notably held out part of training camp before signing in October of 2015 to a four year, $82 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although Thompson was wanting a five year, $94 million deal, he still ended up signing for less than the max.

Noel was previously represented by Happy Walters, who a month ago, said Noel was disappointed with where contract negotiations stood and was waiting on an acceptable offer from the Mavericks.

Noel averaged 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in 22 games for the Mavericks last season. Pinned as the Mavs top off-season priority this summer, it is becoming peculiar Noel hasn’t signed yet.

This certainly doesn’t guarantee Noel puts pen to paper soon, but perhaps the first domino has fallen.