ESPN: Knicks to part ways with team president Phil Jackson

New York was 80-166 in 3 seasons with Jackson in charge

NEW YORK – ESPN is reporting that the New York Knicks and team president Phil Jackson will part ways after just three seasons.

Sources tell ESPN that recent conversations between Jackson and Knicks owner James Dolan accelerated his departure, after Jackson made it clear he had no intention to work beyond the end of his contract.

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The team president has been in a public spat with the teams’ two highest profile players, Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.

Jackson, 71, made it public that he felt it was best for both Anthony and the team to move on, but the team determined it would not give him a buyout. Anthony still has two years left and is owed $54 million on his current deal.  He has a no-trade clause.

Reports also surfaced that Jackson was taking offers for Porzingis as the team attempted to move up in the NBA draft. The team was unable to make a trade, and New York selected French guard Frank Ntilikina with the eighth overall selection. Porzingis had skipped his exit meetings with the team after they finished the season with a 31-51 record and missed the playoffs for a fourth straight year.

Former player and general manager Steve Mills will continue his current role and work the free agency process which begins on July 1.

Prior to taking on the team president role, Jackson had a historic coaching career that included 11 NBA titles, and is also a former Knicks player.

Stay with KSAT 12 both online and on-air for more information on this developing story.

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About the Author:

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.