Stephen A. Smith wants to team up with Magic Johnson next season, possibly on "NBA Countdown," sources tell Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.
Smith's ideal setup would be work alongside Johnson and Michael Wilbon.
Jalen Rose, Jay Williams and Adrian Wojnarowski are the “Countdown” incumbents, while Richard Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins and Chiney Ogwumike would figure to be candidates to join the show.
The NBA has had concerns about putting Smith on the main pregame show for the NBA Finals, believing his style is too opinionated and not the right tone to lead into the game. Smith, however, has never been more influential at ESPN and is making $12 million per year.
Smith is close with both Johnson and Wilbon, and there is a belief that camaraderie could come through on the air.