"If Dolan puts the Knicks for sale, I will be the first one in line" - Magic sets sights on control of iconic NY franchise
"If Dolan puts the Knicks for sale, I will be the first one in line" - Magic sets sights on control of iconic NY franchise originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Magic Johnson has long been associated with the Los Angeles Lakers, admitting it would be hard to fathom him taking control of another team. However, Earvin shockingly revealed what is the one franchise he wouldn't mind owning.
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"If Dolan puts the [New York] Knicks for sale, I will be the first one in line," Johnson said when he appeared on ESPN.
It was a surprising take by the 65-year-old, who has had ownership opportunities in the past. The Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Golden State Warriors were among the teams offered to Magic.
However, Johnson admitted that to this day, people still approach him for potential ownership opportunities. Each time, he stressed that his loyalty remains with Purple & Gold.
Magic's interest in the Knicks explained
Earvin cautioned that his interest in the New York Knicks is merely hypothetical. There have been no discussions between him and team owner James Dolan. Hence, it would be best not to jump to conclusions.
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"That one you would really have to think about, in terms of being a minority owner of that team," Johnson said of the Knicks via the Associated Press. "But other than that, I would just stay with the Lakers, and even with my role now, just being a fan, I'm happy just doing that with the Lakers because, again, I bleed Purple & Gold."
Magic admitted that he would be open to seeing what is on the table if something is offered to him. And as far as his sudden interest in the New York franchise, Johnson shared that one reason was the fan base, especially this 2024-25 season.
"The Knicks are the Knicks. New York is New York. And I love the way the fans respond. This city was on fire," he added.
Related: "I don't think I should defend myself anymore, I'm done with that in my life" - Allen Iverson on why he's had enough trying to defend his public image
Why Magic could get his wish
Hypothetical or not, any discussion on a potential Knicks sale would be huge. Dolan once admitted that he didn't like owning teams, explaining that he found the economics of professional sports "kind of sleepy."
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This explains why James has not made a concerted effort to make the Knicks competitive. Instead, the franchise has made significant strides through the efforts of people like Tom Thibodeau. Unfortunately, Thibs is no longer around, fired after NY's ouster in the Eastern Conference finals.
With Dolan half-heartedly caring about the Knicks' plight, perhaps exploring talks with Johnson or some other interested investors would make sense. Magic loves the sport so much that his passion could turn New York's fortunes around.
Also, his interest in hooking up with the Knicks is nothing new. When Earvin was still actively playing, the 6-foot-9 point guard also considered moving to The Big Apple in 1992. However, seeing how New York already had two guards, Mark Jackson and Greg Anthony, it never came to fruition.
Hence, Johnson's links with the Knicks are well-documented. Given his dedication to winning, Seeing Magic take over would be something. However, personnel and players need to beware, too. Earvin has high standards when it comes to winning; meaning heads will roll if he is not satisfied with how the team is performing.
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Related: "Kevin Durant will be a guy who will give you some help" - Magic believes KD could be the answer to the Knicks' woes
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
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