Here’s the part I don’t understand: why do so many players fire their agent before having another one lined up?
In overseas basketball, this mistake happens more often than you think—and it’s one of the fastest ways to derail a career.
Even a weak agent has value. They might not be the perfect fit, but they still have access to deals. Sometimes all it takes is one opportunity landing on their desk to get you in the door. But the moment you cut ties with no backup, you’re not just without representation, you’re out of the game.
Think about what I call the “Replacement Market”. This is when a player gets hurt, quits, or is fired, teams don’t have time to waste. They’re not scrolling Instagram or checking their DMs for players they don’t know. They go straight to agents. If you don’t have one, you’re invisible.
Now, this doesn’t mean you should stay loyal to an agent who isn’t working for you. Looking for new representation is not only allowed but it’s smart in certain situations. However, timing is everything. You don’t drop the agent you have until you’ve secured a new one.
Too many players get impatient. They don’t see offers coming in, so they make a rash move and cut their agent loose. But all they’ve really done is cut themselves off from jobs they might have had access to. Going into a season without an agent is like stepping onto the court without shoes…you’ve already lost before the game even starts.
This is why mentorship matters. At SJM Consulting, I help players navigate these exact situations. Whether it’s figuring out when to leave an agent, how to approach new ones, or how to avoid sabotaging your own career, I guide athletes through the business side of basketball, the side that can make or break you.
The mistakes are avoidable. The pathway is here. The only question is whether you’ll take it.
Let’s Talk…