Report: Knicks to buy out Brown’s contract

NEW YORK (TICKER) —After a trying season, Larry Brown may not return to the New York Knicks for a second season.

According to a report in Sunday’s New York Daily News, Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan is considering buying out the final four years of Brown’s contract at a figure worth at least $40 million.

Brown suffered through a dismal 23-59 record with New York and feuded with star guard Stephon Marbury all season.

The report indicated that Dolan had become disenchanted with Brown’s public criticism of his players and would install team president Isiah Thomas as coach.

Brown received a reported five-year contract worth between $50 million and $60 million in July, making him the highest-paid coach in professional sports history.