LeBron James’ former coach named front-runner for Knicks opening

The New York Knicks finally have a breakthrough in their coaching search. Per ESPN’s Frank Isola, Mike Brown is now considered the front-runner the land the job and replace Tom Thibodeau. 

This announcement comes amidst LeBron James — who Brown coached from 2005-2010 during James’ first stint in Cleveland — opting into his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers. Coincidentally, James was also recorded at a dinner earlier this week saying that his wife, Savannah, wants him to “retire in the next year or so.” In that same video, James was heard discussing the possibility of leaving Los Angeles to end up in New York.

“I ain’t mad looking at New York,” James could be heard saying in the background of the recording. 

Brown and James were paired in Cleveland with the Cavaliers from the 2005-2006 season, all the way until James’ first departure from the Cavaliers in 2010. The duo held a record of 305-187 in six seasons together, including a trip to the 2007 NBA Finals, where they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs. 

The Knicks have been at the forefront of many trade rumors for star players this offseason. New York was one of the teams initially in on Kevin Durant before he was dealt to the Houston Rockets, and the team continues to be linked to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo despite any confirmation that he is available on the market. 

With Brown emerging as the front-runner for the Knicks’ head coaching vacancy, and James showing at least a little bit of interest in New York, it is far from out of the realm of possibility to see the pair reunited in New York.