What happened: The agreement includes a player option for its second season. Paul relayed team pitches to James through voice notes during the process.
Why it matters: The contract came despite a Los Angeles suitor weighing a $20 million-plus deal. The second-year option preserves James' flexibility beyond 2026-27.
By the numbers: The $8 million total is at most 40% of the $20 million-plus figure weighed by the Los Angeles suitor.
What to watch: Attention now turns to how James and Brown fit together when the 2026-27 season begins.