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Pulling strings Super agent Falk discusses Ewing, Jordan and respect
Patrick Ewing's transition game takes him coast-to-coast, from New York to his new team in Seattle. The move is the work of Ewing's agent, David Falk. Routinely listed among the most powerful people in sports, Falk represented Michael Jordan for years, and his current list of clients includes Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo, Jalen Rose and Elton Brand. CNNSI.com's Mark Viviano spoke to Falk in Seattle. Mark Viviano: Patrick Ewing was traded to Seattle after 15 years with the Knicks. How much of this was Patrick's desire for a fresh start and how much was it that the Knicks just wanted a change? David Falk: I really think it was mutual. I think Patrick felt it was time for a change. Sometimes we forget that in life, people do that every day. They switch networks; they switch jobs. But in sports, we're used to seeing certain players staying forever. Patrick felt like it was time for a change. And the New York management accommodated him out of respect for his 15-year contribution. Viviano: In the wake of this trade, we're hearing some critics say that the Knicks disrespected Patrick, that he deserved a lot more for all he did for that city, despite not winning a championship. You know that you got him a very nice salary, about $15 million a year. How important is the "respect" issue in light of that? Falk: I think the "respect" issue is paramount. The reports are somewhat unfair. I think the Knicks were always fair with Patrick Ewing. He came into the league in 1985 as the highest-paid player in the league. He signed a $17 million contract three years ago, which I did with [Gov./CEO of Madison Square Garden] David Checketts. I think he had an outstanding relationship with Knicks' management. I just think the team was evolving, and they brought in people like [Latrell] Sprewell, [Marcus] Camby and Allan Houston. And a lot of people questioned whether Patrick's role was as essential as it used to be. Nobody wants to work as hard as Patrick Ewing works and feel that you are an impediment to the success of your organization. So I guess he felt it was time to move on and seek a fresh change. Viviano: Glen Rice, another client of yours, goes from the Lakers to the Knicks. Now these trades are portrayed in the media as "David Falk deals," that you made them happen, you brokered the deal. What is your role in a trade like this? Falk: Well, the current collective bargaining agreement is so complex that making trades is extremely difficult. It's not the way it used to be. I did play a central role I think in the trade, based on long-term relationships that I have with each of the teams. Here in Seattle, where I am now, [Sonics' president/GM] Wally Walker is a former client of mine, the fifth pick in the draft in 1976. Likewise, [GM] Mitch Kupchak in Los Angeles. I think sometimes the teams have difficulty coming up with creative ways around the impediments in the salary cap. That's something I feel comfortable doing, sort of prodding the teams along, trying to act almost as a mediator when some of the teams are trying to ask for perhaps more value than is appropriate to make the trade happen. This particular trade took more than 50 different offers and counteroffers back and forth to consummate. So I think we did play a central role. Viviano: You have a long working relationship with Michael Jordan. Now he's in the front office with Washington. What's it like dealing with him in that capacity now, and what chance do you give him for success with the Wizards? Falk: Let me answer the second question first. I think anything that Michael Jordan does, he brings a great passion. He's an extremely intelligent businessman, very sophisticated. I believe that he will be successful. On the other hand, I think he inherited a situation that has been neglected for probably 20 years, and he's not going to turn it around overnight. It's going to take work. I think the relationship with Michael has been wonderful for me. He's played a large role in making me as successful as I am, and there probably aren't sufficient words for me to express my gratitude to Michael for that. So whatever he calls upon me to do, I'm going to do the best that I can to help him. Viviano: We appreciate your time. Thanks for joining us. Falk: My pleasure.
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