Steve Kerr likely is making his swan song for TNT on Saturday night when he announces Game 7 of the Grizzlies-Thunder series in Oklahoma City. According to an NBA source, Kerr likely will make his final decision on accepting the Knicks head-coaching job soon after the weekend.
As The Post reported, the Lakers’ coaching vacancy is a non-factor for Kerr, who is not a candidate. The Lakers are in store for a prolonged search after Mike D’Antoni resigned, and neither side has interest.
However, one thing that can derail Kerr’s getting hired by the Knicks is if the Warriors lose their first-round series to the Clippers on Saturday and coach Mark Jackson is let go. Kerr, whose family lives in San Diego, may listen if approached by the Warriors. Kerr is represented by former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
If the Warriors move on, Kerr and the Knicks are likely to move on to marriage, thanks to president Phil Jackson. After Kerr works the Thunder game, he plans to fly home to San Diego to gather his thoughts for a couple of days and perhaps finalize his decision. His commitment to TNT for the second round is not expected to play a role in Kerr’s timetable, an NBA source said.
The delay of Kerr committing to the Knicks stemmed partly from not having enough free time to research the situation as he has done a game every other day. He’s known to do a lot of pregame homework, much like his longtime TNT partner, Marv Albert.
One person familiar with the situation said Kerr wouldn’t even consider the Knicks under the old James Dolan-Steve Mills pre-Jackson power structure. Kerr also considers it vital for Carmelo Anthony to re-sign, so accepting the job would mean he’s convinced it will happen. Jackson told Anthony during their dinner meeting Tuesday he expects to hire Kerr.
Lute Olson, Kerr’s former Arizona coach and confidant, spoke to Kerr earlier this week and told The Post he “more than likely’’ will take the Knicks job due to Jackson’s presence.
“The biggest thing he feels comfortable about is learning from Phil and having Phil watching his back,’’ Olson said.
Kerr also is excited about installing the triangle offense — which would be difficult to do in Golden State without Jackson’s help. Kerr won three titles in Chicago running the Jackson triangle.
“They both have complete knowledge of the old offense,’’ Olson said. “Steve feels that’s going to interest a lot of other players who are free agents.’’
Olson said with two of Kerr’s three kids in college and a third entering his senior year of high school, his wife, Margot, has given Kerr the OK to take the Knicks job. Olson said Margot wouldn’t move to New York the first season.