LeBron James has left longtime agent Leon Rose and the Creative Artists Agency and will join a newly formed agency led by longtime friend Rich Paul, sources told ESPN.

It is more of a new partnership than a breakup, sources said, as James is not making the move because of any hard feelings with Rose or his longtime partner William "Wes" Wesley. Paul only has been an agent for a few years, working under Rose at CAA, but quickly has earned the respect of league executives and owners.

The Sports Business Journal first reported James was changing agencies.

The switch to Paul could be the beginning of a shift of power in the NBA. Paul represented rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the No. 2 overall pick of the Charlotte Bobcats, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson and Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe among others at CAA.

According to sources, Paul is expected to take some players with him to his new agency as is standard practice in the business. CAA also represents 2013 free agent-to-be Chris Paul, who is one of James' closest friends and is also close to Rich Paul. The two are not related.

James has been reorganizing his business affairs since joining the Heat. In 2011, he turned over his marketing management to Fenway Sports Group and received a piece of ownership in Liverpool FC in return.