BREAKING: Knicks File Shocking Lawsuit Against Raptors

The New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors have had their fair share of battles on the court over the years. But now they're facing one IN court, as the Knicks have filed a stunning lawsuit against the Canadian club over an ex-Knicks employee stealing company secrets: 

Statement from MSG Sports spokesperson on NYK lawsuit against Raptors: “The New York Knicks have sued the Toronto Raptors and several members of their organization, including a former Knicks employee, after the former employee illegally took thousands of proprietary files.” 1/

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) August 21, 2023

“The New York Knicks have sued the Toronto Raptors and several members of their organization, including a former Knicks employee, after the former employee illegally took thousands of proprietary files with him to his new position with the Toronto Raptors,” reads the statement from MSG Sports.

“…These files include confidential information such as play frequency reports, a prep book for the 2022-23 season, video scouting files.

"Given the clear violation of our employment agreement, criminal and civil law, we were left no choice but to take this action.”

The lawsuit goes on to claim that a former Knicks video staff member "secretly funneled info to the Raptors, including new head coach Darko Rajakovic," according to SNY.

Ikechukwu Azotam is identified as the former Knicks employee charged with stealing the files. He worked for New York from 2020-23, and was hired by Toronto earlier this summer. 

The suit also claims that the Raptors “conspired to use Azotam’s position as a current Knicks insider to funnel proprietary information to the Raptors to help them organize, plan, and structure the new coaching and video operations staff.”

Aside from the legal charges, it should be very interesting to see how the NBA handles this. We'll certainly keep you posted.  

Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports