NBA Referees live-tweeting Game 3 of the Finals

The NBA on TNT is running an alternate broadcast during the Western Conference Finals. Instead of traditional play-by-play and analysis, the broadcast on truTV is conversational and there are a variety of guests.

During Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, one of the guests was Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. Paul is perhaps most famously known at LeBron James’ agent, and he may have given some insight into James’ initial plans for this offseason.

“LeBron is a free agent,” Paul said about his most famous client. Paul then clarified that the Los Angeles Lakers have to hire who they want as their next head coach and that James has always played for whoever his coach is.

When asked by TNT’s Chris Haynes to clarify if that meant it was decided that James would decline his player option for the 2024-25 season with the Lakers, Paul said that decision hadn’t been made yet. James can decline his option and become a free agent. He’s also eligible to pick up the option and to sign an extension.

“I don’t know what he’s gonna do,” Paul said. “We’re gonna do what we do every year. We’re gonna evaluate the situation and we’re gonna make the best decision.”

The Miami Heat have reportedly had trade talks involving Jimmy Butler with a number of teams. However, no trade is close because Miami doesn’t like the options they have.

The Heat are facing an awkward situation, with Butler’s team-issued suspension soon to expire. Butler has indicated he’s ready to return to the team and play. But Miami is seemingly reluctant to go down that path. The Heat suspended Butler because of his lack of effort in games after his trade request, not because of the trade request itself. That’s not a situation Miami wants to see repeat if Butler plays in games for them again.

After meeting with Heat president Pat Riley, Butler reissued his trade demand. He also made it clear he would not sign another contract with Miami. Butler also indicated he may use his $52.4 million player option as leverage to force a situation where he opts in to be traded this offseason.