Knicks Rumors: MSG Execs 'Obsessed' and 'Enamored' with Raptors' Masai Ujiri

With the future of New York Knicks' leadership in flux, key ownership figures have been "obsessed" with and "enamored" by Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, according to Ian Begley of SNY.

The Knicks fired head coach David Fizdale on Friday, putting pressure on team president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry. If the duo is let go, those in the Madison Square Garden Company would apparently target Ujiri to take control of the organization.

Of course, Begley reported it would take "significant money and full autonomy" to lure the Raptors executive to New York.

The team's interest in Ujiri is nothing new.

The Knicks first wanted him in 2017 as a replacement for Phil Jackson, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Frank Isola of The Athletic then reported in November team owner James Dolan is "plotting to take another run" at the 49-year-old.

Considering the organization has gone seven years without a playoff berth, it's understandable it would want the executive who helped build the 2019 NBA champions.

On the other hand, Ujiri is under contract through 2021 and still has a successful team in Toronto, giving him little incentive to leave. 

New York would have put up a huge offer to get him on board.

Other proven executives Sam Presti and R.C. Buford were also named as options for the Knicks if the team moves on from Mills and Perry.