NBA draft guru Jonathan Givony leaving ESPN, rebuffs offer to stay in stunner

NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony announced via social media that he is leaving ESPN after eight years with the company.

Givony stated that despite ESPN offering a contract extension, he and the company were unable to reach an agreement on his value within ESPN.

He expressed gratitude for his time at ESPN and confirmed he will continue analyzing the NBA Draft, college, high school, and international basketball through DraftExpress, the company he founded in 2003 before joining ESPN in 2017. His work will include coverage of events like the U18 European Championship.

Givony, who previously contributed to Grantland, NBA.com, and Sports Illustrated, is known for his in-depth draft reporting, such as his recent coverage of prospect Ace Bailey's slide in the draft.

His departure occurs as ESPN undergoes a broader shift in focus away from traditional reporting and analysis towards featuring personalities known for strong opinions, exemplified by figures like Stephen A. Smith, Pat McAfee, and the use of comedian Shane Gillis.