The New York Knicks are set to interview New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego for their open coaching position.
Borrego is the latest candidate added to New York’s expanding search, which already includes formal interviews with Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins, and Micah Nori.
Shams Charania reported that Borrego will meet with the Knicks’ front office in the coming days, further signaling the franchise’s wide-ranging approach following its deepest playoff run in over two decades.
A former Charlotte Hornets head coach, Borrego brings prior experience at the helm, having led the team from 2018 to 2022 with a 138–163 record.
He also served under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio and currently works as Willie Green’s top assistant in New Orleans.
Despite the Pelicans finishing with a 21–61 record this season—worst in the Western Conference—Borrego has remained a respected candidate in league circles, largely due to his offensive philosophy and player development track record.
He was a finalist for the Lakers’ head coaching vacancy in 2024, though Los Angeles ultimately hired JJ Redick.
Borrego’s agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), has deep connections to the Knicks’ front office, including ties to team president Leon Rose.
New York’s primary targets remain Jenkins and Brown, according to league sources, but the organization is keeping tabs on Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd as well.
The Knicks are coming off a 51–31 campaign and reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000 before falling to the Pacers in six games.
