Doris Burke’s ESPN future in doubt as Richard Jefferson gets new deal

Richard Jefferson is finalizing an agreement with ESPN/ABC to return to his role as an NBA analyst on the top broadcasting team, according to The Athletic. 

With Jefferson, 45, set to return to a team that features Mike Breen, the third leg of the booth seems to be in flux.

Questions remain about Doris Burke’s future with the ABC crew, per the outlet.

The Basketball Hall of Famer has been part of the top broadcasting team since 2023, following the departure of Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson from the network. 

It’s been a bit of a revolving door since in the main booth, with Doc Rivers joining Breen and Burke, promising that he would not return to coaching, but he bolted for the Bucks head coaching job.

His replacement, JJ Redick, also left after a few months in the role to be the Lakers’ bench boss.

That led to Jefferson getting the nod, though it seems more changes could be coming to the booth, if Burke doesn’t stick around.

The Athletic reports Tim Legler could be an option for her replacement, though ESPN could also decide to run with a two-man booth.

Jefferson, however, doesn’t seem to be keen on breaking up the band.

During the College Softball World Series, he came on to the “SEC Now “show wearing a shirt that read, “My Favorite Broadcaster is… Doris Burke.”