Josh Burstein
NBA Senior Writer

Welcome to the NBA, Calgary.

In the most stunning move in the history of the NBA–and perhaps all of sports–Knicks owner and CEO James Dolan is relocated the New York Knicks to Calgary in the province of Alberta, Canada.

“We would like to thank our fans in New York for 66 wonderful seasons,” Mr. Dolan said in a statement. “Although we felt it was time for a change, we will never forget your love, support, and passion as we strive to deliver your long-awaited championship in Calgary.”

The change is happening quickly, with the Knicks final home game at Madison Square Garden scheduled for Friday night against the Mavericks. Fans will no doubt be devastated, and the loss is felt even keener as the Knicks are off to a 3-0 start, their best since 1999. Players, however, seem undeterred.

“I loved my time in New York, but I’m excited for the future in Calgary. They make a lot of films there, I heard, so you know. Brooklyn took all our fans, anyway.” said superstar Carmelo Anthony.

The following message appeared on star forward Amar’e Stoudemire’s Twitter account:

“THANX 4 ALL DA LUV, NY. MSG WAS MY 2ND HOME. 2 ALL DA SHORTIES IN CALGARY, CAN’T WT TO B HEALTHY AND GIVE U MY BEST. #EVRETHINGHAPPENZ4AREASON.”

The Calgary Knicks will retain the franchise name, as well as all wins, both championships from the 1970 and 1973 seasons, and all stats and records.

For Calgary, this will be their first foray into the NBA, and the second in major-league professional sports. The Calgary Flames have been playing in the city since 1980, when they moved there from Atlanta.

The Knicks will be vacating their storied home at Madison Square Garden for the considerably less hallowed Scotiabank Saddledome, where they will be co-tenants of those Flames.

Patrick Ewing, who becomes the all-time leading scorer for the Calgary Knicks, will be on hand for the city’s first game, along with other Knicks greats including Bernard King, Willis Reed, John Starks, Charles Oakley, and Allan Houston.

Mike Breen and Walt “Clyde” Frazier will remain the team’s lead play-by-play man and color commentator, respectively.

“I love the move. Honestly, I was tired of the hustle and bustle of New York. The only drawback is that it’s a longer flight to St. Croix!” said Frazier with a chuckle.

“CALGARILICIOUS!” added Frazier.

Commissioner David Stern is also excited about the change in the NBA landscape.

“This is all a part of the growing global community of the NBA. Calgary is a beautiful city with a rich sports history, and we have no doubt that the passion of these fans will match, if not surpass, what we saw in New York. This is an exciting time for Knicks fans all over the world, and by all over the world we mean global.”