ESPN made a huge announcement on Monday when they revealed that Malika Andrews will be hosting their daily NBA new show. NBA Today will be the network's attempt to replace the Rachel Nichols-led program, The Jump, which was recently canceled.
According to ESPN, Andrews will be joined by other prominent names in the broadcasting industry, which include Kindrick Perkins, Vince Carter, Chiney Ogwumike, and ESPN senior writer Zach Lowe. NBA insiders Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne will also be joining the crew. This new lineup has led to some questioning why Richard Jefferson, another big-name personality within ESPN's ranks, has been omitted from the new show. Apparently, RJ might just be heading in a different direction.
Andrew Marchand of the New York Post has revealed that ESPN is currently in talks with Jefferson to renew his current deal:
Richard Jefferson was not part of the ESPN's new daily NBA show announcement because he and ESPN are in contract negotiations, according to sources.
Jefferson has been hosting recently, which is where, we're told, he hopes his future lies, along with being an analyst.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) September 20, 2021
Based on Marchand's report above, it does sound like there's still a chance Jefferson joins the new program. That is if the former NBA star is able to iron out his new deal with ESPN.
The report also hints at a possible career shift for Jefferson, who reportedly has his eye on hosting. He still appears to be willing to pursue his career as an analyst with ESPN, though.
There will be a lot of pressure on Andrews and the rest of the NBA Today crew. There was a lot of controversy surrounding Nichols and the cancellation of The Jump, and all eyes will be on this new ESPN program.
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