Rumor Opens Door for NY Knicks To Send Mike Brown to Unlikely Team in Summer Trade
TL;DR
The New York Knicks may consider trading coach Mike Brown if they fail to reach the NBA Finals, potentially avoiding a $30 million payout. Brown's performance has faced scrutiny, and an unexpected team might help alleviate the financial burden.
Key points
- Knicks may trade Mike Brown if they don't reach the NBA Finals
- Brown has a $30 million contract remaining
- Team performance has frustrated fans this season
- Brown's coaching decisions have raised questions
- An unexpected team could help alleviate financial burden
Mentioned in this story
If the New York Knicks don’t reach the NBA Finals this spring, a surprising rumor opens the door for them to get rid of Mike Brown without having to owe him the $30 million left on his contract.
Despite being on the job for less than a year, Brown is feeling intense pressure in his first postseason as head coach of the Knicks. The former Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings coach was hired to take the team further than Tom Thibodeau could. However, they only won two more games than last year, and they’ve frustrated fans more in 2025-26 than in the past few seasons.
Going into the campaign, most Knicks pundits felt the team had to at least reach the NBA Finals for coaches, executives, and players to keep their jobs. While firing a coach after one season is a hasty move, there have been questions about the team’s chemistry this season, and Brown’s decision not to adjust his system to get the most out of All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns.
Firing Brown would be costly since the team is still on the hook for three years of the four-year, $40 million deal he signed in the summer. Plus, they still owe Thibodeau after giving him a three-year extension two summers ago. However, the team may be rescued from the problem by an unlikely team.
Warriors could rescue NY Knicks from big Mike Brown bill?
D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Steve Kerr’s future as the coach of the Golden State Warriors is up in the air with his contract set to expire soon. According to San Francisco Standard Warriors reporter Tim Kawakami, Brown would be a top choice as a replacement if Kerr exits.
But why would an elite franchise like Golden State bring in a coach that four teams have given up on? Well, Brown is popular in the organization following six seasons as Kerr’s top assistant and serving as interim coach on two occasions.
Knicks fans saw last offseason how hard it is to get an interview and potentially trade for a coach. However, if the franchise wants to move on from Brown and bring in someone like Billy Donovan, they surely would not ask for very much in a trade with the Warriors.
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Q&A
What are the implications of the Knicks trading Mike Brown?
Trading Mike Brown could save the Knicks from paying the remaining $30 million on his contract if they don't reach the NBA Finals.
Why is Mike Brown under pressure as Knicks head coach?
Mike Brown is under pressure due to the Knicks' disappointing performance this season, winning only two more games than last year and facing fan frustration.
Which team could potentially help the Knicks with Mike Brown's contract?
An unlikely team, possibly the Golden State Warriors, could assist the Knicks in managing Mike Brown's contract situation.
