PHOENIX – Not having to abide by salary-cap restrictions for a coach, Knick owner James Dolan said he’s ready to break the bank for free-agent Phil Jackson.
Dolan sent out a message to other clubs who may be interested: prepare for a bidding war.
Portland, with billionaire Paul Allen, is the only other franchise that can compete financially, and is likely to be in the running.
Dolan indicated, and a source confirmed, that the Knicks have made preliminary contact with Jackson’s reps.
“It’s Isiah’s decision,” Dolan said, referring to team president Isiah Thomas. “Does he have the resources and support if he wanted to do a contract with Phil Jackson? Yes, he would. He will not be limited by the resources.”
Dolan said the Knicks have a “better chance” of landing Jackson because of Thomas.
“I’m pretty sure Phil Jackson would not work for me if I was president of the Knicks,” Dolan said. “He wouldn’t want somebody as dumb about basketball as me. We have a better chance with Isiah.”
Dolan has other, larger, issues on his mind than this season-wrecking 35-day rut. The owner acknowledged the uncertainty at Cablevision and was less than firm on whether he will remain Knick owner and Garden chairman for the next several years.
It is the first time Dolan has ever opened to the door to the possibility of his removal of power over the Knicks. Reports are rampant about a falling out between himself and his father, Cablevision boss Charles Dolan, who can fire him.
When asked if he expected to remain owner of the Knicks for the next several years, Dolan said, “Now that’s a really good question. As far as I know, I’m going to be. Do you ever read the rest of the newspaper you write for? It’s called the business section. If you read that, the company is clearly going through changes.”
Appearing resigned, Dolan made no bold playoff predictions. The club is amid one of its worst tailspins in history, dropping 16 of 18 after last night’s loss.
“[Thomas] has made it clear to me we’re in a situation where I should not expect a run at the championship this year,” Dolan said. “So far he’s been real correct about that. . . . He characterized it as a .500 team.”
Dolan said the Knicks will not make panic moves or add high-priced stars past their prime.
“New Yorkers would rather see us build a team with youth than try to keep buying expensive talent that you have to pay for years later when they’re not playing,” Dolan said.