NBA Closes Investigation Into Rick Brunson’s Promotion, Knicks Call Probe ‘Harassment’

The Knicks have weathered another NBA investigation, this time over the promotion of assistant coach Rick Brunson.

After a month of back-and-forth with the league, the NBA has closed its probe into the matter, and the Knicks are firing back hard.

They’ve called the whole thing “harassment” and “offensive,” insisting that Brunson, who replaced Johnnie Bryant as associate head coach, earned the promotion — and the same salary that Bryant had. MSG Sports went as far as to say it’s “offensive” to even question Brunson’s worth.

Now, the timing of this promotion, coming after Jalen Brunson signed that team-friendly extension in 2024, has raised eyebrows. Some believe Rick’s salary could be linked to the fact that Jalen passed on a massive payday by signing a four-year, $156 million deal, rather than waiting for a potential $270 million max contract in 2025.

But here’s the thing: Sources are saying Rick’s contract is actually in line with what top assistant coaches get, so this doesn’t appear to be anything underhanded.

Rick Brunson has a solid resume, with stops in Charlotte, Virginia, Hartford, and, of course, three separate stints under Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. He’s been a trusted figure, and the Knicks promoted him after Bryant left for Cleveland.

Still, the NBA’s investigation, which was triggered by the timing of Brunson’s hiring, lingers in the background. Let’s not forget, the Knicks already faced punishment last season for violating free agency rules and had to forfeit their 2025 second-round pick.

This latest drama comes as Knicks owner James Dolan continues to spar with the league. He’s been vocal about issues like the NBA’s transparency and revenue-sharing policies, even sending harsh letters to the league’s Board of Governors.

Dolan’s no stranger to controversy, and it looks like this situation is another chapter in his ongoing feud with the NBA.

For now, though, the league’s investigation is closed, and the Knicks can breathe easy. But you can bet this won’t be the last we hear of it.

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