Knicks Rumors: Elton Brand targeted for general manager role

Scott Perry is currently holding the position of general manager, but the New York Knicks could be looking to make a change.

The New York Knicks haven’t exactly had stability in the front office. Since Ernie Grunfeld‘s eight-year tenure ended in 1999, the Knicks have employed nine individuals in the position of head of basketball operations.

That list could grow during the 2020 NBA offseason, as a recent shakeup has resulted in a rumored desire for further alterations to be made.

The decade started with Scott Layden, who spent four years at the helm between 1999 and 2003. Since then, the list has grown to include Isiah Thomas, Donnie Walsh, Glen Grunwald, Steve Mills, Phil Jackson, Mills once more, and Scott Perry.

According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, recently hired team president Leon Rose has his eye on a replacement for the actively employed Perry: Elton Brand.

"According to a league source, Elton Brand has been targeted by Rose as a candidate for Knicks GM. Brand, 41, is currently the Sixers GM and is under contract next season, complicating any designs of bringing him to New York. The source said Rose wanted to see if Brand was dismissed after the playoffs."

This may come as a surprise, but it’s worth noting that the Knicks haven’t exactly kept their intentions for an overhaul quiet.

Any time a change is made at the top of the proverbial food chain, more alterations are soon to follow. That may not only include a new head coach, but fresh faces at general manager and other key positions within the organization’s infrastructure.

Per Paul Hudrick of NBC Sports, however, the Philadelphia 76ers are happy with Brand’s work as general manager and intend to bring him back for the 2020-21 season.

"A team source on Wednesday confirmed Brand is under contract beyond this season and said the organization is very happy with his work since being named GM in 2018. The source cited Brand’s leadership and strong working relationships with players, agents, and executives around the league."

Being that Brand is under contract through 2020-21, this could all prove to be much ado about nothing.

For those unfamiliar, Brand is currently the general manager for the 76ers. He was responsible for the Jimmy Butler trade that had Philadelphia within a Kawhi Leonard miracle shot of the Conference Finals, as well as signing Al Horford this past season.

If the 76ers truly are satisfied with the job he’s done, this report may prove to be nothing more than exacerbation of what may already be a tenuous situation.

The New York Knicks have not publicly expressed their intention to part with Scott Perry, but the rumor mill is already churning with alternative options.