The Knicks are losing a key member of their front office.

Makhtar Ndiaye, director of international and professional scouting, is leaving the organization after nine years to accept the same title within the Mavericks management, he confirmed Monday on social media.

“Hey everyone, I just want to express my deepest gratitude to the Knicks organization over the past nine years,” Ndiaye posted. “As I move forward, I am proud to know that I contributed to the team being in a better place.”

Ndiaye, a native of Senegal, played four NBA games for the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1998-99 after going undrafted out of North Carolina.


Phil Ford, Makhtar Ndiaye and Julius Peppers laugh together during the 2009 University of North Carolina Alumni basketball game at the Dean Smith Center.
Makhtar Ndiaye (middle) at a North Carolina alumni game in 2019. Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

After transferring from Michigan, the 6-foot-9 power forward was a member of the Tar Heels’ Final Four teams in 1997 and 1998.

After playing primarily overseas during his professional career, Ndiaye was hired as a scout by the Knicks in 2015.

He reached his most recent title in 2021, playing a role in the team’s acquisitions of Donte DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby in 2023.

“Good luck to the Knicks and their incredible fan base!” wrote Ndiaye, 50. “I can’t wait to see what’s next. Living in the Dallas area makes me feel like a Maverick. It’s time for a new team, new goals, and new challenges! Let’s get to work.”

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