Follow Us
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant’s manager, Rich Kleiman, says he never heard from the New York Knicks during their presidency search.
The Knicks are expected to hire former NBA agent Leon Rose after reassigning Steve Mills.
Via Ian Begley of SNY:
SNY: There was at least one report that you were on the Knicks’ radar for the team presidency position. Was there any accuracy to that?
KLEIMAN: “No accuracy to it. Never heard from them. It clearly has to do with the fact that, two or three years ago, I tweeted that I wanted to run the Knicks one day — and, of course, I grew up in New York City. It’s hard for me with all of the access that I’ve gotten to not still be a kid at times and realize that the Knicks were my life growing up.
“So, yeah, it’s still a dream of mine but I’m also building a business with Kevin. And I think that it’s flattering to know that my name was mentioned because I think, at least, it justifies some of the work I’ve done within the world of business and basketball. But it was never real because nobody ever called me. But if what they’re reporting is true about Leon Rose, then I think they did the right job. Because I think Leon is going to be incredible.”
Many though Durant would sign with the Knicks in free agency since Kleiman is a New York native and life-long Knicks fans.
However, Durant and Kyrie Irving each signed four-year deals with the Nets and didn’t even meet with the Knicks in free agency.
The Knickerbockers are hoping Rose’s connections with players and coaches in the league will help the franchise become a winner again.