At that point, Noel claims Paul "began to lose interest" in him as a client. He hit unrestricted agency in 2018 and claims neither Paul nor anyone at his agency Klutch Sports presented any offers or strategies.
Instead of signing a max contract, Noel ended up signing a league minimum deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder for two years and $3.75 million. Even that contract allegedly didn't come from Paul, as Noel says he was personally recruited by then-Thunder stars Russell Westbrook and Paul George.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Sports agent Rich Paul looks on after the game between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Arena on March 11, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The NBA announced tonight the season has been suspended after a Utah Jazz player preliminary tested positive for the coronavirus. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Nerlens Noel wasn't impressed with Rich Paul's work as his agent. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
After a solid season as a bench player for the Thunder, Noel opted out of his contract in 2019 and once again hit free agency ... where he says he received no offers. Another league minimum contract with the Thunder would follow, but Noel says he later learned from Brett Brown, his former coach with the Philadelphia 76ers, that the Sixers attempted to contact Paul about signing Noel only to not have any of their calls taken or returned. Noel claims he learned of other teams encountering the same reception.
Noel says he considered dropping Paul as his agent in 2020, but was convinced to stay by Klutch agent Lucas Newton, whom Noel claims told him that the Thunder were planning to offer a three-year deal worth $7-10 million per year. No such offer came, and Noel says he again heard of other teams, this time the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers, not having any calls returned by Paul.