Tag Archives: knicks rumors

Phil Jackson Tells Raymond Felton To Expect A Trade

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According to league sources, Knicks President Phil Jackson told Raymond Felton that he will attempt to trade him this summer during his exit interview with the embattled Knicks point guard at the end of this past season. Adam Zagoria of SNY TV had the news first.

Felton had the worst season of his career in 2013-2014, struggling constantly on defense and, more often than not, floundering on the offensive end as well. Felton also had his off-the-court issues, getting arrested on weapons charges brought by his ex-wife, who had divorced him a week earlier.

Felton was solid last year, but battled with injuries at the start of the season, making it difficult for him to play well and get in rhythm. As his poor play continued into the middle of the season, the fans began to turn on him in earnest, and by the end of the year, Raymond had become an outcast at Madison Square Garden.

Felton has shown that he can be a solid point guard, and his contract isn’t too bad ($3.8 Million next season with a player option for $4 Million the year after that). His value is at rock-bottom right now, so the Knicks would be very unlikely to get anything useful for him. In fact, if the deal they almost swung at the deadline with the Clippers is any indication, they might have to GIVE UP something valuable in order to get somebody to take Raymond off their hands. The Knicks would be incredibly foolish to make such a move this summer, giving away one or more of their limited assets just to get rid of a guy they don’t have the stomach to glue to the end of the bench. I think the Knicks should look to add a point guard or two (sources say they are interested in Steve Blake), but still keep Felton around and see if he can get healthy, regain his composure, and bounce back under a new coach.

That being said, with a new President in charge and a new coach on the way, players who the guys in the front office don’t think “fit the system” are on the chopping block, and whether it’s fair or not, Raymond Felton’s spot on the team is in serious, serious jeopardy.

It’ll be interesting to see what the Knicks, and Felton, do here. Let’s just hope Phil & Co. don’t mess up too badly, if things don’t end up going well.

For the next few weeks, however, most of the team’s focus will be on finding a new coach… stay tuned.

-Tommy Rothman

BREAKING: Kerr chooses Warriors

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Steve Kerr, considered the favorite to become the next coach of the New York Knicks, has instead accepted a 5-year, $25 million deal with the Golden State Warriors. It appears that the main factors at play were money, contract length, Kerr’s reluctance to move off of the West Coast, and possibly the two teams’ respective performances this past season. The Knicks wanted Kerr, but it looks like they drew a line in the sand when they saw his contract demands. 

I thought Kerr would probably make a nice coach, but the main reason I was OK with him was because Phil Jackson trusted him. He has never coached at any level, and for all the “Triangle” talk, playing in a system is not the same as teaching it and running it. 

I wanted the Knicks to get a big name coach. Kerr does not fit this description. Maybe the Knicks will take a look at Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Jerry Sloan, George Karl, Lionel Hollins, or another coach with more of a track record.

-Tommy Rothman

 

Steve Kerr Wants $30 Million To Coach The Knicks

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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

 

Steve Kerr Meets with Phil Jackson to Discuss Knicks’ Coaching Job

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According to reports, Steve Kerr met with Knicks President Phil Jackson on Friday and Saturday to discuss the Knicks’ open Head Coach position. The Knicks fired Mike Woodson and the rest of their coaching staff on Monday and Kerr, who won 3 titles as a player under Jackson in Chicago, is considered to be the frontrunner for the job.

Jackson wants to run the triangle, and Kerr certainly knows it. He also seems like a good basketball mind, and if Phil trusts him (which he does: Kerr had also been in line for a coaching job under Jackson in Seattle had Chris Hansen successfully managed to move the Kings there), then I trust him.

But the Knicks might want to be patient. There will be many coaches on the market this summer. Jeff Van Gundy, Stan Van Gundy, George Karl, Lionel Hollins, and others are all jobless. Mark Jackson and Frank Vogel might be next. The Knicks could try to somehow pry Tom Thibodeau from the Bulls. And who knows… with the Donald Sterling fiasco happening in LA right now, an apparently unhappy Doc Rivers might ask to be let out of his contract. From what Jackson said in his press conference a few days ago, it sound like he will take his time. Which he should.

But Kerr is the favorite right now, and now that he has met with Jackson in person to discuss the job, that might not change anytime soon.

-Tommy Rothman

BREAKING: Knicks Fire Mike Woodson, Entire Coaching Staff

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The Knicks announced Monday that they have fired head coach Mike Woodson and his entire staff. This includes Herb Williams and Jim Todd. It is Phil Jackson’s first major move as the Knicks’ President. Here’s what Jackson had to say:

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mike Woodson and his entire staff. The coaches and players on this team had an extremely difficult 2013-14 season, and blame should not be put on one individual. But the time has come for change throughout the franchise as we start the journey to assess and build this team for next season and beyond. Everyone in this franchise owes a great deal of gratitude to what Mike and his staff have done. We wish him the best.”

 

We knew this was coming, guys. At least, we knew Mike was on his way out. I wasn’t so sure about the rest of the staff but… time to move on.

-Tommy Rothman