Knicks Sue Raptors for $10M+ Damages in Alleged Theft Case

The New York Knicks have filed a court document seeking over $10 million in damages from the Toronto Raptors. The lawsuit alleges the theft of confidential files by former Knicks employee Ikechukwu Azotam, who is accused of sending sensitive information to the Raptors during the team's recruitment efforts in the summer of 2023.

Conflict of Interest

In their filing, the Knicks argue that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver should not arbitrate the dispute due to his close relationship with Raptors governor Larry Tanenbaum. The Knicks claim that Tanenbaum's position as the chairman of the NBA's board of governors creates a conflict of interest, as he serves as Silver's boss and heavily influences Silver's employment and salary.


Friendship Dynamics

Highlighting the friendship between Silver and Tanenbaum, the Knicks state,
Damages and Allegations

This filing marks the first instance of the Knicks specifying potential monetary damages since their initial complaint in August. The lawsuit accuses Azotam of sending various confidential files, including play frequency reports, a prep book for the 2022-23 season, video scouting files, and opposition research.

Raptors' Response

The Raptors have declined to comment on the matter. However, in an October 16 filing, they called the Knicks' lawsuit "baseless" and a "public relations stunt," while also advocating for Silver to arbitrate the dispute.

League Jurisdiction

The dispute over arbitration has been ongoing, with the Knicks objecting to Silver adjudicating the matter. The Knicks argue that there are no provisions in the NBA constitution addressing intellectual property theft. They assert that the dispute is not about basketball operations but rather the theft of trade secrets by a disloyal employee.

Monetary Limitations

The Knicks point to Article 24 of the NBA's constitution, highlighting limits on Silver's power for monetary penalties. According to this article, the commissioner cannot issue a penalty of more than $10 million. Additionally, the league's constitution does not authorize Silver to award legal fees in disputes between two teams.

Seeking Resolution

The Knicks, in their Monday filing, express their intention to prove damages exceeding $10 million and to seek attorneys' fees. An MSG spokesperson reiterated that they were the victim of a theft of proprietary and confidential files, confident that the court will decide in their favor.