The Warriors aren't in the Finals, but Oakland's Malika Andrews is

Malika Andrews has been the face of ESPN’s NBA coverage for the past few years. That being said, there’s no guarantee she’ll remain with the network.

Andrews, an Oakland native, joined ESPN in October 2018. She worked for the Chicago Tribune prior to signing with the “Worldwide Leader.” During the NBA’s 2019-2020 season, she became one of the youngest sideline reporters to ever cover a conference finals game. That was just the start of her meteoric rise.

In 2021, Andrews was named the host of “NBA Today,” a title that she still holds to this day. She has proven to be more than capable of being the “point guard” for a prominent show on national television.

With the NBA playoffs slowly but surely approaching, ESPN has to start thinking about Andrews’ future with the network. According to Front Office Sports, she’s set to be a free agent this offseason.

Andrews’ contract with ESPN expires this fall. Although the network would like to keep her for the long haul, there’s a chance she gets picked elsewhere since Prime Video and NBC Sports will cover the NBA starting next season.

ESPN host Malika Andrews on the court.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 13: Malika Andrews, ESPN sideline reporter, during the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers games at Crypto.com Arena on January 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

There’s also an outside chance ESPN loses Andrews to ABC, albeit that move may not happen for a few years.

“Several sports media insiders have independently told FOS that Andrews could eventually follow the Robin Roberts model and flourish on a daytime news and entertainment program within the Disney empire, such as ABC’s Good Morning America,” Michael McCarthy and Ryan Glasspiegel wrote.

Andrews isn’t the only marquee name set to be a free agent this NBA offseason. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst will also be up for a new contract.

It’s possible ESPN makes significant changes to its NBA coverage after the 2024-25 season wraps up.