Report: Donnie Walsh Nearly Resigned After Learning Isiah Thomas Was Re-Hired

In news that's one part shocking and one part obvious, apparently there are important people in the Knicks' hierarchy who aren't too thrilled that the team has decided to bring Isiah Thomas back as a part-time consultant. Namely, Donnie Walsh.

The Knicks president was reportedly so angry that he nearly resigned, according to a report by Frank Isola of the New York Daily News. 

The Daily News has learned that Donnie Walsh considered resigning after Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan made the controversial move to hire Thomas, but Walsh decided to continue running the team despite his objections to Thomas having a role in the front office.

"Donnie finds this entire thing distasteful," said one NBA source. "He's had second thoughts about staying but he wants to finish the job."

Walsh isn't the only one in the Knicks brass upset at the decision, though.

Besides Walsh and Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni being against the move, Garden vice chairman Hank Ratner and Garden president Scott O'Neil voiced their displeasure but were overruled by Dolan, sources said.

Walsh reportedly refused when Dolan asked if Thomas could be considered a candidate for the open GM position, according to Isola. However, Walsh did say a month ago that he "wouldn't rule out" Thomas for the position. 

Either way, it appears controversy is on its way back to New York.