LeBron James would be a golden ticket for the Knicks -- and New York City -- bringing the Big Apple some $58 million in revenue for his time on the court.
That estimate comes courtesy of a "secret" survey performed by the city's Economic Development Corporation, theDaily News reported today.
The influx of money would come, in large part, from out-of-town guests who would book hotel rooms, shop, and dine in the city.
The survey was based on two factors, the News reported. The James-led Knicks would make it through the playoffs to win home-court advantage in the NBA finals and the the Knicks would win their first title since 1973 in Game 7 of the best-of-seven championship, meaning four games are played at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks, the Nets and the Chicago Bulls are among the teams expected to make a strong push to sign James.
But one month from the start of the NBA’s free agency frenzy, James has tipped his superstar hat toward home.
In his first interview since the Cavaliers’ season ended with a second-round loss to the Boston Celtics, James told CNN’s Larry King this week that Cleveland had “an edge” to re-sign him when free agency begins July 1.
