Noel's former agent accuses journalist of spreading fake reports for Rich Paul
It's one thing for player agent Happy Walters to lose prized client Nerlens Noel to another agent in Rich Paul on the verge of a new contract, it's another thing to have his reputation besmirched.
Noel signed a one-year qualifying offer worth $4.1 million on Saturday after negotiations broke down with the Dallas Mavericks. Noel wanted the max, but Dallas wasn't willing to meet his price. Contract talks stalled for months before Noel switched agents and bet on his own future with the qualifying offer.
It was thought that Noel passed on a four-year, $70-million offer to start free agency, but ESPN reporter Chris Haynes discredited that offer in his reporting of Noel's decision.
Nerlens Noel signs 1-year, $4.1 million QO to return to Mavs, league sources tell ESPN. Reported $17M "offer " was non-existent in any form.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 26, 2017
Walters, who worked to secure that initial offer from the Mavericks, took exception to Haynes' report and publicly accused him of carrying water for Paul.
@ChrisBHaynes You can't rewrite history for @richpaul4 @mcuban offered a 4 year $70m deal and Nerlens passed. #diligencetweets
— Happy Walters (@Happywalters) August 26, 2017
Haynes is a reliable reporter who regularly breaks news on a national level, but for what it's worth, he does seem to be friendly with Paul based on his particular proficiency in relaying news pertaining to Klutch Sports clients.