New York Knicks: 5 most notable general managers in franchise history

GREENSBURGH, NY - JULY 08: New York Knicks General Manager Steve Mills during a press conference introducing the Knicks new free agent signings at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility on July 8, 2016 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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UNITED STATES – JUNE 27: New York Knicks’ General Manager Scott Layden announces the team’s draft picks during a news conference this afternoon at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks selected three new players last night in the 2003 NBA Draft. (Photo by Mike Albans/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) /

4. Scott Layden

The second GM on this list did not receive much love from fans for his controversial moves representing the New York Knicks in the early 2000s. Layden spent years in the front office with the Utah Jazz prior to the Knicks job so he was no novice to the position, but he was probably unaware of the massive media difference between Utah and New York City.

Layden held the role from Aug. 10, 1999 to Dec. 22, 2003 and will forever be known as the GM that decided to deal away franchise icon Patrick Ewing in the fall of 2000. As part of a four-team trade, Layden traded Ewing to the Seattle SuperSonics and acquired forward Glen Rice from the Los Angeles Lakers in return.

The Knicks would only manage one playoff appearance during Layden’s tenure after trading Ewing and was constantly showered with “Fire Layden” chants at games and drafts that included Mike Sweetney in 2003. Fans would get a chance to show their appreciation for Ewing as he returned in his final NBA season in a Orlando Magic uniform.

Layden still continues to work as an executive in the NBA most recently with the Minnesota Timberwolves but even in an unsuccessful tenure in New York he takes away the lesson of appreciating the long-time franchise star.

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