Kendrick Perkins, Monica McNutt, Tim Legler, More to Land New ESPN Contracts

ESPN solidified its coverage team for the NBA as the 2024-25 season is right around the corner.

The network announced Thursday that Kendrick Perkins, Tim Legler, Monica McNutt and Chiney Ogwumike have all signed extensions. The Athletic's Richard Deitsch first reported on the moves.

For Perkins and Legler, the new deals also come with a minor expansion to their on-air duties. Perkins will be a panelist on the ABC editions of NBA Countdown in addition to his other usual studio roles. Legler will become a game analyst on ESPN broadcasts.

ESPN's NBA coverage has undergone major changes over the last few years.

Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, who had been on the network's lead broadcasting team, were let go during a period of layoffs in 2023. Jalen Rose was let go during that time as well, and most recently, Zach Lowe was laid off by ESPN in September.

In addition, the company had to pivot after Doc Rivers and JJ Redick left for NBA coaching roles, while lead insider Adrian Wojnarowski returned to his alma mater to become the general manager for St. Bonaventure men's basketball. Shams Charania, once Wojnarowski's biggest rival for scoops, was brought in as his replacement.