Update: the Knicks and Phil Jackson on Wednesday morning officially announced they will be parting ways.
The New York Knicks have reportedly ended ties with team president, Phil Jackson, ending his time in the big apple.
According to ESPN writer Ramona Shelburne, the Knicks on Wednesday decided to cut ties with their President of basketball operations amid his plans to ship stars Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony out of New York to build a roster centered around his triangle offense.
According to ESPN, Knicks owner James Dolan has been weary of Jackson after he confirmed fielding trade offers for their young star Porzingis last week before the 2017 NBA draft. Jackson also has been pushing to move superstar forward Carmelo Anthony who has a no-trade clause in his contract.
Jackson, the 11 time NBA champion head coach, was hired to oversee the front office of the Knicks organization in 2014. The first time front office executive had a turbulent tenure. In April he criticized Carmelo Anthony, saying the team can't win with him on the court. Last year he called business associates of Lebron James a "posse."
Alongside the added dysfunction, Jackson's hiring ushered in the triangle offense which has failed to resonate in New York. His constant need to implement his offense led to the firing of head coach Derek Fisher last offseason; however, their luck hasn't changed under new coach Jeff Hornacek.
With Jackson running the show, the Knicks have yet to win more than 32 games in a season, struggling with a disappointing record of 80-166 in three seasons. Jackson has two years left on his contract worth $24 million. No word on possible replacements, however, according to ESPN, Knicks GM Steve Mills will fill the void in the interim as free agency is fast approaching.
Source: nydailynews.com
