HoopsHype.com Rumors

As for Isiah, those close to him are downplaying a recent meeting with Dolan in the wake of O'Neil's departure. "They meet all the time," one Thomas confidant said. In truth, it seems awfully farfetched that Thomas -- though free of restrictions on involvement with an NBA team now that he's no longer a college coach -- would assume his previous perch as MSG executive when he already has all the influence he wants at the Garden with none of the accountability or responsibility. A more likely scenario is for Thomas to remain in the shadows a while longer, only to resurface in an official capacity sometime, somewhere at an arena near you. CBSSports.com

New York Knicks, Isiah Thomas, James Dolan, Scott O'Neil 

Scott O'Neil's sudden resignation as president of Madison Square Garden Sports was hardly surprising to industry insiders familiar with a) the pitfalls of working at the World's Most Famous Arena and b) O'Neil's autonomous management style and lofty career ambitions. You can fumble personnel moves for years and drag the entire company into the gutter of an embarrassing sexual harassment lawsuit and remain in MSG chairman James Dolan's good graces in perpetuity. (We're looking at you, Isiah Thomas.) But if you have your own ideas about how things should be done and want more responsibility, as O'Neil did, you can forget about having your proverbial number retired in the Garden's famous rafters. CBSSports.com

New York Knicks, Isiah Thomas, James Dolan, Scott O'Neil 

Contrary to the sensationalized version of events, it was likely not a specific clash but rather philosophical differences about his role that led to O'Neil's mutually agreed upon departure, industry sources said. Also, O'Neil had reached the finish line in one of his most important assignments, that being the successful management and sales work associated with the approximately $800 million transformation of the Garden. CBSSports.com

New York Knicks, Isiah Thomas, James Dolan, Scott O'Neil 

So don't be surprised if O'Neil's name surfaces with regard to a role in which he could wield enormous financial and personnel influence in the NBA -- with the talent and representation firm that has as much power as anyone other than Dolan at MSG: Creative Artists Agency. Just a thought. CBSSports.com

New York Knicks, Isiah Thomas, James Dolan, Scott O'Neil 

Since word broke yesterday that Scott O’Neil, a man who has risen up the ranks since being first hired by the Nets years ago, would be leaving his post at MSG, I’ve spoken to several league sources and have come up with some notes of interest. One league executive, who worked with O’Neil at one point, told me that he would bet that O’Neil’s “main goal” would be “to sit next to Adam Silver when David Stern retires.” The Knicks Blog

David Stern, Madison Square Garden, Adam Silver, Scott O'Neil 

Speaking of Thomas one source confirmed that O’Neil and owner James Dolan “had some issues” because O’Neil “didn’t want Dolan and Isiah to communicate.” The Knicks Blog

James Dolan, Madison Square Garden, Scott O'Neil 

Scott O'Neil is stepping down from his position as Madison Square Garden president, the Daily News has learned. It is unclear to why O'Neil, considering a rising star in the business, would abruptly step down after just three years as president. According to a source, O'Neil has been at odds with Garden Chairman James Dolan. Others insist that O'Neil has bigger aspirations than running the World's Most Famous Arena and could eventually be making a return to the NBA league office. New York Daily News

New York Knicks, Scott O'Neil 

Frank Isola: MSG exec Hank Ratner sent out an email to employees to announce that Scott O'Neil is leaving, according to sources. Twitter

Madison Square Garden, Scott O'Neil 

Frank Isola: An opposing GM tells me not to rule out Garden president Scott O'Neil taking on a bigger role with Knicks and Glen Grunwald becoming GM Twitter

New York Knicks, Scott O'Neil, Glen Grunwald 

O'Neil, according to a source, felt strongly that the Knicks should include Raymond Felton in a deal for Anthony. New York Daily News

New York Knicks, Donnie Walsh, James Dolan, Scott O'Neil