Isiah out as Libs prez, still has MSG pact

Isiah Thomas’ time as team president of the New York Liberty is done.

Following Knicks owner James Dolan’s sale of the WNBA franchise to Nets minority owner Joseph Tsai last month, Thomas has lost the job he had been given by Dolan, his longtime friend. The former Knicks executive and coach will, however, remain under contract with the Madison Square Garden Company.

“Isiah’s contract ends in May and while we no longer own the Liberty, we will continue to honor his contract like we would any other executive,” the Madison Square Garden Company said in a statement. “Isiah will continue to focus on his NBA TV job and managing his own business venture, Cheurlin Champagne.”

After a disastrous run with the Knicks (2003-08), Thomas’ tenure with the Liberty began with controversy in 2015. That was because he had been hired to lead a women’s basketball team despite having been accused of sexually harassing former Knicks employee Anucha Browne Sanders, who was awarded $11.6 million after a lawsuit against Madison Square Garden in 2007. Thomas was not found personally liable.

With former Pistons teammate Bill Laimbeer, as Liberty coach, Thomas found a level of success he never achieved with the Knicks or Florida International or as owner of the now defunct Continental Basketball Association. Thomas helped the Liberty finish in first place in the Eastern Conference in three consecutive seasons. However, the Liberty weren’t able to advance to the WNBA Finals, and still remain without a league championship.

Katie Smith, who led last season’s franchise-worst 7-27 campaign, will return as coach.

“We will be bringing over as many people as possible,” Liberty chief operating officer Keia Clarke told the Associated Press. “We’d like everyone to come back.”

Almost everyone.