Tim Legler locked in contract talks with ESPN and could take on new role after JJ Redick quit to join Lakers

NBA fans were afraid they might lose ESPN analyst Tim Legler but it looks like he is signing up for more.

Scott Van Pelt’s end-of-season shout out on SportsCenter was misconstrued as a goodbye to spark rumours of an exit.

Getty

Getty

But a source confirmed to the New York Post that “Legler and ESPN are currently in discussions for a new contract.”

JJ Redick joining the Los Angeles Lakers means there is an open spot in ESPN’s top NBA booth alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke.

Legler, 57, will reportedly broadcast NBA Summer League games from Las Vegas in July.

That could open the door to him having more chances in the booth after calling Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves .

Legler, who spent 10 years in the NBA, has explored possibilities in digital media away from ESPN, including featuring in podcasts alongside Redick.

And the New York Post’s report indicates that ESPN bosses are “warming” to the idea of him calling more games.

Redick has signed a four-year deal with the Lakers.

The former Los Angeles Clipper , 40, spent 15 years in the league as a player but has never coached.

He has worked as an analyst since retiring in 2021 but his basketball IQ persuaded Lakers executives to give him a shot.

They reportedly believe that he will be able to connect with players well and have a short learning curve.

Redick was the favourite to land the post but almost lost out to Dan Hurley .

Stephen A. Smith says his ESPN colleague is “an acquired taste.”

“This is what I will say about JJ Redick,” he said on First Take.

“I think he’s a brilliant basketball mind, we got mad respect for him. We got love for him here at this network, I can tell you that much.

“But he is an acquired taste. You understand? I love you JJ, but he’s an acquired taste.

What the new TV deal means for the NBA?

By The U.S. Sun's Assistant Sports Editor Damian Burchardt.

THE new TV rights deal is promising to be a humongous win for NBA players.

The league is set to more than double the revenue coming from its media partners, pocketing about $6.9 billion per year, which will inevitably lead to a huge salary cap spike in 2025-26.

That is going to send the value of player contracts skyrocketing.

Projected figures suggest we might see the first $100 million-per-year deal being signed soon.

Currently, Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown is projected to earn the highest single-season salary in NBA history, collecting $65.1 million in 2028-29.

It does feel like basketball fans would be on the losing side of the fight if the NBA and TNT indeed parted ways, though.

Inside the NBA is a one-of-a-kind sports entertainment show , as evidenced by ESPN’s ongoing failure to come up with its own version of the program in recent years.

The NBA won’t be the same without Kenny and Ernie trying to make sense of Shaq and Chuck’s never-ending bickering every Tuesday night.

“He’s my cup of tea, he ain’t everybody’s cup of tea. And JJ does not suffer fools much. It’s hard for him to tolerate.

“Well, some people would perceive there being a lot of foolishness from time to time with the Lakers organization.”

The Lakers picked up Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 pick in the NBA Draft yesterday.

“In my mind, there is no way a player like this will be available for us to pick on draft night,” said vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka.

“Across the board, just couldn’t be happier.”