Just months after Knicks president Leon Rose exercised the final year of the incumbent general manager’s contract to keep him in New York for all of next season, Scott Perry is receiving “tremendous support” to return to the Sacramento Kings as GM. , according to The Athletic.
Perry worked for the Kings for a three-month window before being hired by the Knicks in 2017. During that short span of time, he impressed the league with his role in the team project, trade and free agent efforts.
Many credit Perry’s scouting eye and connections for helping Sacramento select De’Aaron Fox for fifth pick overall, for trading a draft day that yielded an extra selection in the first round, and for convincing several free agents. veterans to sign in Sacramento, a city that has never been known for its ability to attract tourists, let alone NBA stars.
The Sacramento CEO position opened when Vlade Divac unexpectedly stepped down last week.
Joe Dumars, who hired Perry as an executive in Detroit, is currently in charge of day-to-day management duties. Dumars’ relationship with Perry could help facilitate a reunion. The two worked together with the Pistons when they were perennial Eastern Conference contenders and NBA champions in 2004.
According to The Athletic report, Perry would be interested in returning to the Kings as long as he has the final say in basketball decisions. Divac decided to quit when it became clear that Dumars would have a significant influence on roster decisions. Perhaps the previous relationship between Dumars and Perry will lead to an acceptable partnership, regardless of whether the Kings are making it seem like the new GM will report directly to the property.
While it was reported earlier this week that Perry and the Kings have been in talks since the Sacramento front office shift, The Athletic reports that the Kings have not yet asked the Knicks for permission to speak with Perry. Believe it or not, informal conversations happen through secondary channels in the NBA.
The Knicks gave up a second choice and $ 1 million in compensation to remove Perry from Sacramento in 2017. With a year remaining in his New York contract, if Perry returns west, the Knicks will receive some form of compensation, they themselves.