Dolan not selling Knicks, says search for president underway

New York Knicks owner James Dolan said Thursday he doesn't intend to sell the historic franchise and that the search for a new president is underway.

"We are actively looking for a new president of the New York Knicks and hope to conclude the search as quickly as possible," Dolan said in a statement. "I am not selling, but I am determined to find the right leader for the Knicks who will ensure the long-term success of the team, just as we did with the hiring of Rangers president John Davidson."

The Knicks were nearing a deal earlier Thursday with CAA player agent Leon Rose to make him the team's new president of basketball operations, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Rose represents a number of high-profile players, including Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, and Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Chris Paul.

The 59-year-old is also close with former NBA head coaches Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Tom Thibodeau, as well as Kentucky bench boss John Calipari, according to The Athletic's Frank Isola. Mike Miller is serving as the Knicks' interim head coach.

Knicks fans have grown increasingly frustrated with Dolan in recent weeks. Their impatience reached a boiling point Jan. 29 when they began chanting "sell the team" during a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Six days later, Dolan fired team president Steve Mills.

In addition to Rose, the Knicks are finalizing plans to bring on high-profile CAA consultant William Wesley as part of the team's new management structure, Charania adds.

Rose is set to become the third prominent player agent to join an organization's executive ranks. Former agents Bob Myers and Rob Pelinka currently serve as general managers for the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively.

Shortly after the Knicks dismissed Mills on Tuesday, they began targeting Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported. However, New York was apparently hesitant to surrender a compensatory draft pick to Toronto as part of a potential transaction.