Steve Kerr, the man expected to be the next coach of the New York Knicks, is ready to take the reigns, but won’t do it for cheap.

Kerr is reportedly seeking a 5-year, $30 million deal from his old coach, Phil Jackson (who, in March, received a 5-year, $60 million deal to assume the role of Knicks President). This may come as a surprise to many, given that Kerr has zero coaching experience. In 2008, when the Knicks hired Mike D’Antoni (then considered one of the game’s top coaches). they “only” gave him 4 years and $24 million. 

Kerr, who won 5 NBA championships during a playing career in which he established himself as one of the greatest shooters of all time, has more recently worked as the General Manager of the Phoenix Suns and, since 2010, has been one of TNT’s top broadcasters. Because of his relationship with Jackson, very few people were surprised when he emerged as a candidate to succeed Mike Woodson. But in recent weeks, other potential suitors have emerged for Kerr, most notably the Golden State Warriors.

However, it appears that Kerr wants to coach the Knicks, despite his reported reluctance to move off of the West Coast. When Kerr completes his broadcasting duties in late-May, it is expected that a deal will be finalized. But if Phil wants to get his man Kerr, he’ll have to pay up. Or rather, owner James Dolan will have to pay up. Coaching salaries do not affect the salary cap in any way, so despite the seeming exorbitance of Kerr’s demands, this might be a question of whether Dolan is willing to open up his wallet to make things happen. 

Dolan is usually not one to pinch pennies (or $100 bills), so I expect a deal to get done. However, it will be interesting to see whether the Knicks can drive Kerr’s price down before hiring him.

-Tommy Rothman