Luke Walton could have his pick of NBA jobs, but it appears he respectfully gave Phil Jackson his ear amid the Warriors playoff run according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
Berman gave no word on if it was just formal phone interview, but Walton seems content with waiting for the job of his dreams.
According to a source, Knicks president Phil Jackson already has spoken with Walton in a phone interview. The Post reported in Saturday’s editions the Warriors would give Walton permission to talk to other teams as long as it doesn’t interfere with their playoff run.
The league source said Walton could very easily stay with the Warriors another season, and he isn’t close to deciding on what to do.
“It’s going to be a long, deliberate process,’’ the source said.
Walton is a west coast guy, and has no intention of taking the Knicks job, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he at least considers it because of his relationship with Phil Jackson, although his father Bill, told him to steer clear of the Knicks.
Walton’s value may never be as high as it is right now, and the Knicks would offer huge money and a high-profile team to mold into his own — pending Jackson hanging around to see his contract out. Will Carmelo Anthony finally decide to request a trade as he chases a ring?
According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, “Kurt Rambis remains the strongest candidate for the job,” — although Jackson the search will be long, drawn out and full of guys he knows.
