Steve Mills is trying to convince James Dolan to promote him to president of basketball operations of the New York Knicks.

With the exception of a four-year hiatus, Mills has worked for Madison Square Garden in a variety of roles since 1999.

Mills is part of Dolan's inner circle and he'd like the Knicks to hire a GM to work under him.

David Griffin has received interest from the Knicks and if he's hired, Mills would likely be elevated to president. Mills would be tasked with the business, budget and politics of the team while leaving Griffin to construct the Knicks' roster.

“A buffer between Dolan and the GM,” a source described the arrangement.