The New York Knicks were immediately linked to Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri after firing president Steve Mills, as the franchise has long been interested in his services. Owner James Dolan, however, may have lost the appetite for such a pursuit.
Speaking Wednesday on the “Woj & Lowe Trade Deadline Show,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said his growing belief is that Dolan is simply no longer willing to try to clear the hurdles that would be associated with a pursuit of Ujiri.
“As much as he’s coveted Masai Ujiri, the hurdles that it would take to get there from draft compensation to Toronto allowing him out of his contract to Masai wanting to do this, he seems that he has lost his desire to go forward and chase that,” Wojnarowski said.
Initial reporting from Woj himself stated that Ujiri would be the Knicks’ top target, but that talk has cooled quickly within 24 hours. Dolan appears to want a quick resolution to this job search, and chasing Ujiri might require a more drawn-out process. Walking away from Ujiri may also be easier if, as reported, other top executives want the Knicks job.
Ultimately, there’s little clarity on where this search will land. It does appear, however, that the chances of the Knicks landing Ujiri are rapidly decreasing.
