James Borrego is in discussions with the Knicks regarding their head coach position.
The Pelicans assistant, who previously led the Hornets through four seasons without playoff appearances, has received permission for the interview. Sources indicate this development.
At 47, Borrego is represented by CAA, an agency that has strong ties to Leon Rose and William Wesley, who are key figures in the Knicks’ management.
He marks at least the fourth candidate being considered for the role following the surprising dismissal of Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau’s exit came shortly after he guided the franchise to their first meeting final in 25 years.
Other candidates include coaches who were let go last season, alongside Taylor Jenkins, another CAA client, and Mike Brown, who has had four previous coaching stints.
Micah Nori, an assistant with the Timberwolves, has also undergone a formal interview process.
Borrego’s coaching career began with the Spurs in 2003 as a video coordinator under Gregg Popovich. He later became an assistant with both the Hornets and the Magic.
Promoted to head coach in Charlotte in 2018, Borrego concluded his stint there with a 138-163 record, working with players like Kemba Walker and LaMelo Ball.
The Knicks have faced challenges in their quest for a new head coach, having attempted to interview several established figures—including Jason Kidd, Billy Donovan, and Quinn Snyder—but were met with refusals.
Nevertheless, there remains a possibility that Kidd could seek an extension with the Mavericks, a situation that hasn’t progressed significantly as the front office in Dallas prefers to postpone contract discussions.
Several assistants from the Mavericks’ staff have gained interest from other teams, with lead assistant Sean Sweeney moving to the Spurs and others like Jared Dudley and God Shammgod also departing.
Andy Miller, an agent with Klutch Sports representing the aforementioned assistants, expressed uncertainty about the direction the Knicks might take with their coaching staff during a SiriusXM NBA radio interview.
“It’s really tough to say,” he noted.
Miller, who has worked with prominent players such as Kevin Garnett and Kristaps Porzingis, highlighted that the Knicks’ actions have prompted general managers across the league to respond as they attempt to retain head coaches under contract, including Houston’s Ime Udoka.
Miller reflected on the competitive nature of the coaching community, stating, “There’s a sense of camaraderie, but everyone is still competing.” The process has certainly created urgency within the ranks, especially noted in Houston, where the coaching staff believes they deserve contract reassessments.
