Tue Jun 3 7:33pm ET
Field Level Media
Two early favorites have emerged in the wake of the New York Knicks firing coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday, which created a vacancy for one of the most intriguing jobs in the NBA.
Just three days after losing to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals, the Knicks parted ways with Thibodeau. After five seasons, 226 regular-season victories and four playoff appearances, Thibodeau leaves behind a roster he helped cultivate into a growing threat in the East.
New York may have one of sports' most polarizing owners in Jim Dolan, but the Knicks also have a talented roster in a city primed to attract marquee talent.
That led multiple sportsbooks to quickly generate an odds market on the Knicks' next coach. Leading the pack at SportsBetting.ag is Michael Malone, who was fired by Denver with three games left in the regular season -- less than 24 months after guiding the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA title.
He is followed by former Villanova coach Jay Wright and ex-Knicks coach and television analyst Jeff Van Gundy.
KNICKS NEXT COACH ODDS*
Michael Malone (+100)
Jay Wright (+150)
Jeff Van Gundy (+600)
Chris Quinn (+700)
Taylor Jenkins (+800)
Danny Hurley (+900)
Rick Brunson (+1200)
Mike Brown (+1400)
Mark Jackson (+1600)
Steve Nash (+2200)
James Borrego (+3300)
Johnnie Bryant (+4000)
John Calapari (+4500)
Mike Budenholzer (+5000)
Mike D'Antoni (+5000)
Sam Cassell (+6600)
*SportsBetting.ag odds provided for entertainment purposes only.
Knicks team president Leon Rose said in a statement that the team "decided to move in another direction" as it eyes a championship run next season. The Knicks' odds are improved thanks to the Boston Celtics losing star Jayson Tatum to an Achilles injury that will cost him most, if not all, of next season.
Thibodeau posted a 24-23 playoff record with the Knicks and was fired less than a year after signing a three-year extension through 2027 that was worth a reported $10-11 million per season.
Considering the Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years, the vacancy is expected to draw interest from a host of high-profile and experienced candidates.
A look at the top half-dozen candidates on the list:
MICHAEL MALONE
In addition to leading the Nuggets to the 2023 title, Malone spent two seasons as a Knicks assistant in the early 2000s. The 53-year-old is no stranger to the limelight of Madison Square Garden and is the son of the late Brendan Malone, who spent three different stints as an assistant with the franchise. After leaving the Knicks, Malone has posted a 510-394 regular-season record in parts of 12 seasons as an NBA coach.
JAY WRIGHT
Wright coached Knicks star Jalen Brunson at Villanova along with teammates Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. A two-time national champion at Villanova, Wright retired in 2022 citing the changing landscape of college basketball. The biggest question may be whether Wright has a desire to return to coaching, much less in a pressure-cooker environment like the Knicks' job. He declined to be considered when the job became available previous times over the past decade.
JEFF VAN GUNDY
It has been 18 years since Van Gundy patrolled the sidelines for an NBA team. Still just 63 years old, Van Gundy did serve as an assistant with the Clippers this season following a long run as a broadcaster. He won 248 games with the Knicks over parts of seven seasons after taking over for the fired Don Nelson late in 1995-96. He also led the franchise to its most recent NBA Finals appearance in 1999.
CHRIS QUINN
A former NBA player, Quinn has spent more than a decade as an assistant with the Miami Heat. He was installed at +700 despite not being near the top of many early lists to replace Thibodeau. However Quinn has been on NBA teams' radars. He met with the Phoenix Suns this year after interviewing with Cleveland last offseason.
TAYLOR JENKINS
Like Malone, Jenkins was a surprising late-season firing when he was let go by Memphis on March 28 after winning a franchise-record 250 games and earning three playoff appearances over parts of six seasons. Jenkins offers a wealth of experience despite being only 40 and has a reputation for cultivating young talent. However, he did post a mere 9-14 playoff record with Memphis.
DANNY HURLEY
Hurley seriously contemplated leaving UConn for the Los Angeles Lakers last offseason. He ultimately returned to Storrs to chase a three-peat that came up short with a second-round NCAA Tournament loss, but maybe he'll be more tempted by an NBA job that would keep him in the Northeast. A Jersey City native, Hurley spent his coaching career before UConn at stops in either New York or New Jersey. Hurley does have a strong roster assembled at UConn ahead of next season, but would the allure of coaching Brunson, Hart, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns be enough to draw him to MSG?
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James Jr. could be part of the regular rotation with the team next season. The 20-year-old was very little involved during his rookie campaign, playing a total of 181 minutes across 27 games and averaging 2.3 points. However, it looks like we may see a lot more of him in 2025-26. "He's 20 years old," a Western Conference executive told Sean Deveney of Athlon Sports. "He had a whole year where his development was thrown all out of whack. But he can defend the perimeter and he showed he can shoot the 3. If he can show that wasn't a fluke, he is going to start getting 10, 15 minutes a night because the team is going to feel like they can trust him. I think he is going to do all that. He is going to be a regular for them next year." Even if James carves out a regular role for himself next season, he is unlikely to make a significant impact in fantasy basketball.
Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum is scheduled to become a free agent, but there is a good chance he will stick around in Texas. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Exum and the Mavericks have "mutual interest" to work out a new deal. The Australian veteran is coming off a two-year, $6.15 million contract and has been linked with a move to newly-crowned EuroLeague champion Fenerbahce in Turkey. He may also attract other suitors in the NBA, considering Exum enjoyed a career year in 2024-25 with a scoring average of 9.1 points in 19.1 minutes. He shot an impressive 44.7 percent from three-point range and dished out 2.8 assists. With Kyrie Irving (knee) expected to be out until at least January, Exum could play a larger role in the Mavericks rotation if he signs a new deal with the team, enhancing his fantasy value.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Nickeil Alexander-Walker is seen as a potential target for the Orlando Magic this offseason. NBA insider Marc Stein has noted that Orlando "is a team to watch as a potential suitor" for Alexander-Walker, who is wrapping up a two-year, $9 million contract and will be an unrestricted free agent. Alexander-Walker is coming off a solid year with the Timberwolves, having averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 25.3 minutes off the bench. He shot 38.1 percent from downtown on 4.5 attempts and improved his stock during the playoffs with a couple of 20-point outings. The Magic were by far the worst three-point shooting team in the league this season, making Alexander-Walker a good fit for them. However, his move to Florida likely won't affect Alexander-Walker's fantasy value, since his role will probably remain the same as it has been with the Timberwolves.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid will likely join the free agent pool this offseason. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, many around the league expect Reid to decline his $15 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign. Reid will be seeking a pay rise and possibly a more significant role going forward. Speaking during his exit interview last week, Reid said he "100 percent" sees himself as a starter in the NBA. Reid won the Sixth Man of the Year award last season and followed it up with a career year in 2024-25. He averaged 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 27.5 minutes. In 17 starts, Reid pushed his numbers to 18.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks. Fantasy managers can expect similar numbers from him next season if Reid secures a starting role. For that to happen, he will likely need to move away from Minneapolis, as Rudy Gobert is blocking his path with the Timberwolves.
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo has been linked with a move to the Toronto Raptors. "I don't know if it will happen but I do know there is mutual interest between Antetokounmpo and the Raptors," writes Raptors insider Doug Smith in his mailbag column for the Toronto Star. "The wild card is the cost. But I also think the Raptors are uniquely placed to make an attractive offer that won't ruin their franchise or roster." Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee is murky following the team's three consecutive first-round exits in the playoffs. With ESPN's Brian Windhorst recently mentioning that the Raptors are looking for a "big fish" this summer, Antetokounmpo's potential move to north of the border may not be as far-fetched as it seems. Antetokounmpo will turn 31 next season, but the two-time MVP shows no signs of slowing down and should once again be among the first names off the draft board in fantasy leagues this fall.
Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (ankle) is expected to miss "at least" the first two games of the NBA Finals versus OKC. He tweaked his ankle in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, requiring assistance to the locker room. The 21-year-old was also observed leaving the arena on crutches. Walker has been used sporadically throughout the postseason, averaging only 3.0 points and 1.8 boards in 9.8 minutes of action. That likely won't change if he's cleared to return during the finals. But his absence should at least give a few more minutes to Obi Toppin and Bennedict Mathurin from off the bench, slightly increasing their DFS potential.
According to Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, there is a belief that forward Julius Randle will remain with the team. The 30-year-old appeared in only 46 contests due to a shoulder injury in his final season with the Knicks. He was then traded to Minnesota last offseason in the deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. While Randle managed to appear in 69 games during the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged only 18.7 points and 7.1 rebounds, his lowest marks since his last year with the Los Angeles Lakers back in 2017-18. The 2014 No. 7 overall pick has until June 29 to decide if he will opt in to his nearly $31 million player option. But considering the landscape of available funds for most teams around the National Basketball Association, many believe he will. There's also a chance he could agree to a new contract. With that in mind, Randle may not be as productive as he once was, but he's still capable of playing at an All-Star level, and a bounce-back season is certainly possible, especially if he stays with the Timberwolves.
Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (hip) will be available for Saturday's Game 6 against the New York Knicks. He was listed as questionable on the injury report due to a left hip strain, but Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters during his pregame press conference that Bradley is available. However, Carlisle added that it will be an in-game decision on whether he will utilize the 27-year-old big man. Bradley entered the Pacers' rotation in Game 2 against the Knicks and has averaged 9.5 minutes, scoring 2.0 points and grabbing 2.0 rebounds. He is not someone fantasy managers should pay attention to.
Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (hip) is questionable for Saturday's clash with the Knicks. The 27-year-old didn't see much action during the regular season. However, head coach Rick Carlisle has gotten him on the floor during the series versus New York in an attempt to give Indy some size underneath the rim. Unfortunately, Bradley suffered a hip-flexor strain in Game 5 on Thursday night and needed help off the floor. With that in mind, he has averaged only two points and two boards during the Eastern Conference Finals, so he won't see much attention from DFS managers, even if he is active. Thomas Bryant would be in line for more action if Bradley can't suit up, although he likely won't be much more productive.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) isn't listed on the injury report heading into Saturday's showdown with the Pacers. KAT injured his left knee during Game 4 and popped up on the injury report ahead of Game 5. Fortunately, the ailment didn't keep him off the floor, and he finished with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double. Towns has averaged 25.4 points and 11.8 boards during the series. However, he has gotten himself into foul trouble several times throughout the Eastern Conference Finals, which has undoubtedly impacted his statistical contributions.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) will be in action on Thursday against the Indiana Pacers. His status was initially uncertain after Towns injured his left knee in Tuesday's clash with the Pacers, leading the Knicks to list him as questionable on the injury report. However, TNT's Allie LaForce has reported that Towns will play in the do-or-die contest. The Knicks must win on Thursday to extend the series. Given the situation, Towns looks set for an extremely busy night. He is averaging 25.8 points and 11.5 rebounds in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (ankle) has been cleared to play in Thursday's Game 5 against the New York Knicks. He was initially listed as questionable for the contest due to a right ankle sprain Nesmith suffered in Game 3 of the series. Nesmith has been excellent in the series, averaging 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals with red-hot 61.9 percent shooting from downtown. The Knicks must do a better job guarding Nesmith around the three-point line; otherwise, their season could be over following Thursday night.
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle led his squad with 24 points in Wednesday's disappointing 124-94 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which ended the team's season. Randle finished 8-for-14 from the field and went 4-for-6 from three-point land, adding five rebounds, three assists, and one steal to his tally. The 30-year-old impressed through the first two series during the postseason but had a tough time against the Thunder, finishing two games with single-digit scoring. A second consecutive trip to the Western Conference Finals shows that Minnesota's move to acquire Randle worked out well, though he did not reach the level of play that earned him All-Star honors in New York. Randle's numbers dipped across the board, as he averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 69 regular-season appearances.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Jalen Williams produced another good all-around performance in Wednesday's blowout win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, racking up 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. While he went only 1-for-4 with the three-ball, Williams shot a solid 7-for-14 overall and had a 4-for-5 record at the foul line. Williams was a two-way beast against the Timberwolves, averaging 22.2 points and 2.0 steals per game. He will be expected to keep up this level of play in the team's first NBA Finals since 2012.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards was ineffective against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, notching only 19 points on 7-for-18 shooting in a season-ending 124-94 loss. Minnesota's offense was flat from the beginning, as the team scored only nine first-quarter points, and Edwards' crew never recovered. The Timberwolves superstar had more turnovers (3) than assists (2) while shooting 1-for-7 from behind the arc. After posting back-to-back 30-point efforts, Edwards managed only 35 total points over the final two games of the series. It was a hugely disappointing finish to an otherwise successful campaign. This season, Edwards led the league with 320 three-point makes, pushing his scoring average to a career-high 27.6 points. Additionally, he recorded 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren recorded 22 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in Wednesday's series-clinching 124-94 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He had his third outing in four games with at least 20 points, shooting 8-for-13 from the field, including 2-for-4 from outside, and 4-for-6 at the charity stripe. Before the series against his hometown Timberwolves, Holmgren had managed only two games with 20-plus points this postseason, showcasing a significant improvement in his offensive output leading up to the Finals. The 23-year-old is averaging 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks this postseason.
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski underwent left wrist debridement surgery Tuesday, the team announced. He is expected to make a full recovery in time for training camp. Podziemski had his sophomore campaign in 2024-25. While it had its ups and downs, the 22-year-old will be happy with how it ended, as Podziemski battled out a starting role during the second half of the season and had a couple of standout performances in the playoffs. He will look to take another step forward in 2025-26, having averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals this campaign.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 34 points on 14-for-25 shooting as the team clinched a spot in the 2025 NBA Finals with a 124-94 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. The Timberwolves restricted Gilgeous-Alexander to just four free throws in Game 5, but they were still no match for the MVP and his team. Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished 2-for-4 from beyond the arc, recorded his 11th game of the postseason with at least 30 points and still had time to tally eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. He will now begin preparing for his first career Finals appearance, having averaged 29.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.6 steals during the playoffs.
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Game 5 against the New York Knicks. He rolled his right ankle in Game 3 of the series and was also deemed questionable for Tuesday's Game 4. However, Nesmith managed to play through the injury, recording 16 points, three rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 32 minutes. Since he had no issues playing in Game 4, it seems likely that Nesmith will remain in the lineup on Thursday night. His presence limits the impact that Ben Sheppard and Bennedict Mathurin can have, although the latter impressed with a 20-point performance in just 12 minutes during Tuesday's 130-121 win.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) has been tagged as questionable for Thursday's Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers. He is dealing with a left knee contusion after getting hurt in a collision with Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith during Game 4 on Tuesday night. If Towns can't play on Thursday, we will likely see Josh Hart rejoin the first unit. However, with the Knicks' season on the line, Towns will likely do everything he can to play and help his team. The five-time All-Star has averaged 25.8 points and 11.5 rebounds in the Eastern Conference Finals, shooting an impressive 45.5 percent from three-point range.
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