It was recently revealed that the Golden State Warriors would allow New York Knicks President Phil Jackson to interview assistant coach Luke Walton during the playoffs. Now, that has reportedly happened. From Marc Berman of the New York Post:
According to a source, Knicks president Phil Jackson already has spoken with Walton, though it’s unclear if it was just 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 the playoff push.
…
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.
It will probably be difficult to persuade Walton to leave the Warriors; they’re one of the best teams in NBA history, after all. However, Walton got a taste of head coaching this season while Steve Kerr was sidelined with a back injury. Walton may want a larger role, in a permanent head coaching position. That being said, the Warriors will be a very difficult team to walk away from.
UPDATE:
Walton told Jackson that he is not currently interested in the job, per the New York Daily News’ Frank Isola:
Luke Walton, according to NBA source, told P Jackson that as of right now he’s not interested in NYK job. Unclear if/when they’ll talk again
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) April 18, 2016
Luke Walton has a pretty good job now. Plus, with Steve Kerr’s back issues who knows how things play out in GS. Lakers could also be in play
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) April 18, 2016
UPDATE:
Phil Jackson says no one was asked about the job and no one has even denied the job.
Press accounts of coaching actions are untrue. Nobody has been asked nobody said no.
— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) April 18, 2016
