NEW YORK — Those in the know reveal Jerry Reinsdorf's business-like approach (vs. Donnie Walsh's unchecked enthusiasm) in Mike D'Antoni's recruitment was the major factor for choosing the Knicks over the Bulls.
"Mike was going to get paid about the same ($24 million over four years) no matter which team he went with, so his decision wasn't based on money" one source stressed. "Reinsdorf turned Mike off because his attitude was too reminiscent of (Suns owner Robert) Sarver."
This is perfectly illustrated by the fact that both owners angled to catch a financial break (I thought it wasn't about money) on the two years remaining on D'Antoni's contract.