[Rich Paul with John Wall and LeBron James]Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Remy Martin As salaries in the NBA continue to skyrocket and player movement has become more difficult, agents are more powerful than ever. As we near the NBA trade deadline, we have already seen the impact agents can wield as it is widely believed that the underwhelming return in the DeMarcus Cousins trade was driven by his agents telling teams Cousins would not re-sign with any team that traded for him. Not surprisingly, most of the NBA's biggest stars are represented by a select few agents. In fact, of the nearly $3 billion in team payrolls, more than $1.5 billion in salaries are represented by the ten most powerful agents, according to data collected by Hoops Hype and Spotrac. Here is a closer look at those agents and the players they represent. JEFF AUSTIN YouTube/FollowChannel AGENCY: Octagon Basketball PLAYERS: 11 ALL-STARS: 4 PLAYERS WITH MAX CONTRACTS: 1 TOTAL VALUE OF 2016-17 SALARIES: $98,795,986 NOTABLE RECENT DEAL: Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks in September. The Greek Freak will have salaries that will eventually reach $27.5 million during this contract. However, it is a deal that will almost certainly look like a bargain in a couple of years as some of the NBA's other biggest stars will soon have salaries north of $45 million under the new collective bargaining agreement. Austin's other top clients include Marc Gasol and Luol Deng. AARON MINTZ YouTube/IndyStarSports AGENCY: Creative Artists Agency PLAYERS: 17 ALL-STARS: 1 PLAYERS WITH MAX CONTRACTS: 2 TOTAL VALUE OF 2016-17 SALARIES: $104,210,503 NOTABLE RECENT DEAL: Mintz's biggest deal is one that has not happened yet. Paul George still has two years left on his contract with the Pacers, but can opt out after the 2017-18 season. If George makes one of the NBA's All-NBA teams after the season, he will be eligible for a "designated player" extension, which would be a contract worth more than $200 million. However, that can only happen if he stays with the Pacers. His name has been mentioned in trade rumors, although it seems more likely that he will not be dealt. Mintz's other top clients include Reggie Jackson and Allen Crabbe. DAN FEGAN Todd Williamson/Getty Images for Saks Fifth Ave / Del Toro AGENCY: Independent Sports & Entertainment PLAYERS: 12 ALL-STARS: 1 PLAYERS WITH MAX CONTRACTS: 2 TOTAL VALUE OF 2016-17 SALARIES: $104,483,642 NOTABLE RECENT DEAL: Fegan has been at the center of two of the more notable player moves in the last year. Recently, one of his clients, DeMarcus Cousins, was dealt to the Pelicans despite warnings to teams to not trade for Cousins. That move likely cost Cousins close to $30 million. Fegan also helped Chandler Parsons land a $94 million contract in free agency with the Grizzlies despite concerns over his health. So far, that deal has not worked out well for the Grizzlies. SEE THE REST OF THE STORY AT BUSINESS INSIDER
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