Knicks Accuse NBA Of Harassment Over 'Offensive' Rumored Investigation Into Rick Brunson's Promotion

New York Knicks ownership group, MSG Sports, put out a statement regarding the rumored investigation into Rick Brunson's promotion. Brunson replaced Johnnie Bryant as the associate head coach of the Knicks, and the Knicks noted that there is nothing untoward about the promotion, and accused the NBA of harassment over this investigation.

"In response to the rumored NBA investigation into Rick Brunson’s promotion, Brunson took Johnnie Bryant’s place and assumed the same salary as Bryant."

"It’s offensive that anyone would claim Rick didn’t deserve the promotion, Rick has done a tremendous job and will continue to do so. We see this as more harassment of the Knicks due to our opposition to certain NBA matters."

Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports revealed that the Knicks put out this statement after being approached by the NBA with questions regarding the timing of Brunson's promotion to associate head coach.

While there is no word on what specifically the NBA is investigating the Knicks over this promotion, one can imagine it has something to do with the Knicks agreeing to a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension with Jalen Brunson, Rick's son.

Brunson took a significant pay cut, losing out on almost $113 million to help the team. And the NBA might be worried that Brunson's negotiations involved a promotion for his father.

In reality, Brunson has been a coach in the NBA for over 10 years. After a brief assistant coach stint with the Nuggets, and then the University of Hartford, Brunson joined Tom Thibodeau's coaching staff on the Bulls. After coaching there for two years, he joined the then-Charlotte Bobcats in a similar role.

He was reunited with Thibodeau for a second time on the Timberwolves, where he was an assistant coach for three years.

After leaving the NBA to coach at Camden High School, Brunson made a return to the league, becoming an assistant coach to Thibodeau for a third time on the New York Knicks, around the same time his son, Jalen, signed with the franchise.

The Knicks were found guilty of tampering with the Jalen Brunson signing, and the hiring of Rick was considered one of the signs.

With the departure of Johnnie Bryant to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rick Brunson was promoted to the associate head coach role.

Despite the NBA investigating the promotion, one can imagine that Brunson's long-standing relationship with Tom Thibodeau got him the position, rather than any negotiation tactic employed by Jalen Brunson when agreeing to a new deal with the franchise.

The NBA has yet to even confirm or formalize any investigation into the matter, but given that we have confirmation about them approaching the Knicks regarding this, there is some smoke to this fire.

One has to imagine that should the Knicks be found guilty again, the punishment will be far stricter than losing a second-round pick, which was their punishment for tampering in the Jalen Brunson signing.

While this investigation could result in no change, it is a situation to monitor. Make sure to check Fadeaway World regularly for updates on this investigation, along with up-to-the-minute analysis on your favorite NBA teams and players.