Mark Tatum linked with NBA deputy commissioner role

Incoming NBA commissioner Adam Silver is expected to promote league executive Mark Tatum to deputy commissioner.

Tatum has been with the league for the last 14 years and is currently the executive vice president of Global Marketing Partnerships.

The 45-year-old also manages the partnership between the NBA and USA Basketball, and is a strong favourite for a promotion, ESPN reports.

Silver's first major project when he replaces David Stern is expected to be to negotiate new television deals, where Tatum could play a vital role.