If this report is indeed true, Phil Jackson needs to improve on the relationship he has between the players and himself. There is a report alluding that Phil Jackson will not be opting out of his Knicks contract.
Currently, Phil Jackson is in his 5-year contract with the Knicks. So far, it hasn’t been too shabby but in retrospect, his relationship with the players is in the gutter. According to Bleacher Report, he plans on resigning with the Knickerbockers when the time comes in 2019.
Jackson fully intends to finish the two years after this season on his Knicks contract, according to NBA sources. Despite all the attention on his opt-out clause in 2017, he might even want to do a new deal that starts in 2019.
Jackson’s competitive fire is fully aflame now that the Knicks are on the upswing–they are 14-11 and have won 11 of their past 16 games entering Thursday night against the Golden State Warriors–but it’s more than just feeling better about his work.
Jackson has settled into life away from Los Angeles and fiancee Jeanie Buss, exploring the varied non-basketball interests to which New York caters. Jackson is connecting over lively card games or stimulating dinner conversations with friends who knew him before he was famous, feeling the energy of the city.
The opt out clause in anyone’s contract is reason enough to get attention. The Knicks have had a complete turn around season. Coach Jeff Hornacek has been terrific at using his bench and utilizing his starters smartly. The team chemistry hasn’t been this great in a long time.
The Knicks stand tall with their 14-11 record despite losing to the Suns in overtime. They face the Warriors tonight.
