While Phil Jackson Puts His Feet Up, The Knicks Talk To David Griffin About Their GM Job

Phil Jackson tweeted for the first time since he and the New York Knicks parted ways and it seems like he’s enjoying himself. Meanwhile, the team he left behind is still searching for a new general manager, though they are reportedly close to a solution as the NBA’s free agency period continues.

Jackson broke his social media silence late Saturday night, posting a picture of his feet lounging in front of a body of water.

According to the New York Post, Jackson has been at a lakehouse in Montana with family and friends since he was let go by the Knicks late last month. The sentiment here seems clear: Jackson is more than happy to put his feet up, collect his paycheck, and let the Knicks do as they may.

What they may do is hire David Griffin, by the way. The Post also reported that the team is getting closer to an agreement with the former Cleveland Cavaliers GM to take over the Knicks. The paper reported Sunday that Griffin—who himself abruptly parted ways with the Cavs last month—has met with management and appears to be their pick as Jackson’s successor.

Acting team president Steve Mills staged a dinner meeting in New York with top GM candidate David Griffin Friday, a source confirmed to The Post.

Griffin, formerly the Cavaliers GM, traveled to New York to meet with Mills and the two have been discussing how to shape a future, according to ESPN. If Griffin is hired, he would likely be the GM under Mills, who would have final say on all moves. Griffin would run the daily basketball operations. He is expected to meet with owner James Dolan in the near future, possibly in Las Vegas, where the NBA summer league is going on.

While ESPN reported Griffin could enter contract negotiations soon, one source told The Post more candidates could be interviewed and this could be a longer process.

But according to ESPN, the talks with Griffin haven’t exactly gone smoothly. With Mills still in line to retain the team presidency, no one is sure exactly what kind of power the GM role will have.

Goodness. No wonder Jackson’s glad to be out of New York.

Whether Jackson cares what happens to the Knicks now is anybody’s guess, but he seems happy. Griffin, however, would have to figure out what happens with Carmelo Anthony and how the Knicks can move past the triangle and into the future of the NBA. If he’s allowed to, that is.