Heat news: LeBron James’ 2-time champion teammate blasts Rich Paul for costing him $70-80 million

The Miami Heat missed their chance at bringing LeBron James back after he decided on the Philadelphia 76ers. Many thought, including James’ longtime agent Rich Paul, that he would go back to Miami.

While Paul has been an instrumental figure in James’ career, not everyone thinks so highly of him. A former teammate of James, Norris Cole, is coming forward, saying that he fired Paul as his agent over money losses, per The OGs Show.

Essentially, Cole said he put all his trust into Paul. However, he claims that Paul didn’t represent him well and lost earning power.

“I had a powerful agent, and I let him do everything… But he did some bad negotiations, and I ended up firing him… They tried to make it seem like I was the greedy one… I missed out on a lot because of that. Probably missed out on $70-80 million.”

“I had a powerful agent, and I let him do everything… But he did some bad negotiations, and I ended up firing him… They tried to make it seem like I was the greedy one… I missed out on a lot because of that. Probably missed out on $70-80 million.”

Norris Cole on firing Rich…

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 30, 2026

Cole is saying that he was anticipating a hefty raise after his rookie contract ended. However, he ended up signing a minimum deal.

Cole played for the Heat from 2011 to 2015, from the beginning of James’ time to the end. He was there when the Heat won two NBA titles (2012, 2013) and made it to the Finals from 2011 to 2014. Ultimately, Cole was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. Cole averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game as the Pelicans made the 2015-16 playoffs.

He closed out his NBA career with the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2016-17 season. Today, Cole harbors resentment toward Paul and blames him for ending his NBA career.