“LeBron James! With no regard for human life!” When a hoop fan hears this iconic call, they instantly picture King James throwing down the hammer on Kevin Garnett during the 2008 playoffs. That’s the magic of Kevin Harlan. Over the last few decades, the legendary announcer has made every great sports moment even greater with his impactful commentary. And most of them have been during his association with TNT. Unfortunately, that relationship could be coming to an end this year, filling the network with immense regret!

As the league’s new media rights deal kicks in after the end of this season, TNT will no longer be able to broadcast live games. That privilege will be transferred to Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, and NBC. Don’t Worry! Kevin Harlan will still be on your screens as the voice of the sport. Turns out, Amazon Prime Video is reportedly closing in on a deal to make him their number two NBA play-by-player. However, it would mean the end of his ties with TNT.

If only Harlan was named the official successor to Marv Albert following his retirement years ago, things could have been different. But that never happened even though Kevin always ended up with better assignments than his peer Brian Anderson. Regardless, Kevin has a great bond with TNT and even addressed it last summer amid rumors of his uncertain future, “I’ve been with Turner for 28 years. I started in 1996. We’ve had a lot of different ownership changes, but we’ve had the NBA that whole time.”

And even though his time at TNT might come to an end soon, he vowed to fulfil his duties last year until he takes on a new job, “I want to do the best job I can possibly do right now. I control the things I can control and that’s my performance and doing the best I can do for these next however many games we’ve got left in this series.” If Prime Video acquires Harlan, they will have a lethal announcing duo as Ian Eagle has already signed with the network. Meanwhile, they have also added the star cast of Taylor Rooks, Blake Griffin, and Dirk Nowitzki for their studio show.

Moreover, the search for Ian and Kevin’s potential partners is still on, with NBA legends like Dwyane Wade and Richard Jefferson on the radar. Obviously, Amazon is not the only network fishing for elite talent.

Kevin Harlan likely to continue his CBS role despite Amazon’s interest while ESPN and NBC scout new talent

Although Harlan’s TNT ties will likely end after he signs with Amazon Prime Video, he is expected to continue his role on CBS as a college basketball and NFL announcer. Meanwhile, his current on-screen partner, Reggie Miller, is reportedly being pursued by NBC for a similar role. They also have Noah Eagle and Mike Tirico in the potential lineup.

Of course, ESPN is not too far behind. Well, they already have the legendary duo of Mike Breen and Doris Burke leading the charge. But reports suggest that Richard Jefferson and Tim Legler might also be on their radar to join the club. Well, one thing is certain – The new media rights deal will bring major change not just in the NBA but the networks that broadcast its games. What are your thoughts about Kevin Harlan potentially leaving TNT?