**Knicks Accuse NBA of Harassment Over Rick Brunson's Promotion**

The New York Knicks have alleged that the NBA is engaged in retaliatory actions against them amidst reports of an investigation into Rick Brunson's elevated role as lead assistant. MSG Sports, the entity behind the Knicks, has issued a robust defense against claims questioning Brunson's merit for the promotion. They argued it is insulting to suggest Brunson did not deserve the advancement, highlighting his extensive experience as an assistant coach on five different NBA teams and his previous two seasons with the Knicks.

Brunson's promotion came after Johnnie Bryant vacated his spot as the associate head coach to join the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite the move, Brunson reportedly received the same salary as Bryant, making the league's scrutiny even more bewildering for the Knicks organization. MSG Sports branded the investigation as "harassment" stemming from the Knicks' opposition to certain NBA policies and strategies.

The promotion of Rick Brunson coincides with his son, Jalen Brunson, signing a contract extension earlier this season. The deal has been highly praised for its team-friendly terms, considering that Jalen could have secured a significantly higher salary had he waited for free agency. This context has only intensified the Knicks' defense of Richard Brunson's well-earned promotion.

Rumors of the NBA's probe surfaced initially via SNY, prompting the Knicks to release their pointed statement. The league has not yet issued a response to clarify or confirm the details of the investigation. However, this latest controversy adds another layer to the already fraught relationship between Knicks owner James Dolan and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

Dolan has previously voiced his dissatisfaction with the league's revenue-sharing model and the new NBA media rights deal. In a memo to other team owners, Dolan criticized these changes, expressing a sentiment that it undermines the individuality and character of team ownership.

Adding to the tensions, an earlier NBA investigation found the Knicks guilty of tampering during Jalen Brunson's free agency signing, resulting in the forfeiture of a second-round draft pick. As the Knicks navigate both the ongoing fallout from that incident and the current scrutiny over Rick Brunson's promotion, the conflict between the franchise and league officials shows no signs of abating.