James Borrego will not be joining Mike Brown’s staff as the lead assistant coach for the New York Knicks, as initially reported by SNY. Borrego was in contention for the head coaching position that ultimately went to Brown, and the Knicks expressed interest in hiring him as an associate head coach. However, he has decided to stay with the New Orleans Pelicans for the upcoming season, where he has served as the associate head coach under Willie Green for the past two years.

Borrego’s contract binds him to the Pelicans. Prior to the Knicks’ interest, the Denver Nuggets had considered him a potential candidate for a lead assistant role but were blocked from interviewing him because New Orleans deemed it to be a lateral move. Last season, David Griffin, the Pelicans’ former top executive, had aimed to dismiss Green and promote Borrego to head coach, but that plan was rejected by owner Gayle Benson.

The Knicks had hoped to pair Brown with Borrego, who previously led the Charlotte Hornets to rank as one of the league’s most efficient offenses at one point. With Borrego off the table, the Knicks must now search for a suitable lead assistant. They might consider several candidates who were previously blocked from discussions due to their contracts. It remains uncertain what Brown’s complete staff will look like. However, it was reported that Rick Brunson, who was a lead assistant on Tom Thibodeau’s team and is also the father of star player Jalen Brunson, is expected to return in a reduced capacity.