Phil Jackson's Future with Knicks Reportedly Being Weighed by James Dolan

Rufina Vignone

Giugno 29, 2017

Jackson's public battles with the Knicks' two highest-profile players, Carmelo Anthony and Porzingis, have been part of marring of Jackson's run with the Knicks, too.

Jackson also utilized the NBA Draft to acquire two players who are believed to be franchise cornerstones: Willy Hernangomez and Kristaps Porzingis.

The New York Knicks are planning to part ways with embattled President of Basketball Operations Phil Jackson later this morning, league sources told The Vertical. It's hardly a surprise after Jackson all but told Carmelo Anthony he wants him to leave NY, but the situation hit an all-time low when Jackson made Kristaps Porzingis, a 21-year-old franchise cornerstone, available in trade talks.

Knicks general manager Steve Mills will stay in his current role and lead the team during free agency, sources said. In February, Dolan had said that he planned to honor Jackson's five-year contract in NY but on Tuesday night the two men discussed the future and made the decision for Jackson to leave.

While Jackson has $24 million left on his original five-year contract, Dolan has a history of paying off long-term financial commitments without much consternation.

Yahoo Sports reported the news first, and it was later confirmed by ESPN early Wednesday.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne tweeted "conversations between Jackson and Knicks owner James Dolan accelerated this week when the Knicks decided they would NOT buy out Carmelo".

Jackson, 71, had two years remaining on a five-year contract he signed in 2014 and had made it clear that he had no intention of staying with the team beyond that, but his handling of Anthony accelerated his departure. "Whether I like the results or don't like the results, I am going to honor that agreement [with Jackson] all the way to the end", Dolan said four months ago on ESPN Radio. No deal was made, and NY selected French guard Frank Ntilikina with the eighth overall selection.

Phil Jackson admitted to fielding trades for Kristaps Porzingis.