TNT broadcaster Steve Kerr reportedly plans to finish calling the 2014 NBA playoffs, regardless of whether he accepts the New York Knicks' coaching job. With the Golden State Warriors the latest team reportedly planning to contact the Chicago Bulls about coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks could follow suit if Kerr chooses to coaches elsewhere.
Kerr is believed to be the Knicks' top candidate to replace former coach Mike Woodson, and reports indicate Kerr is leaning toward accepting the job. Regardless of whether Kerr accepts New York's offer, however, the New York Post reports he won't leave his job at TNT until after the playoffs.
"In a surprise development, even if he joins the Knicks, Kerr has decided to finish out the TNT playoff run with his partner Marv Albert straight through the Western Conference finals (which end in late May), according to an NBA source," Marc Berman of The Post wrote Thursday night.
While Kerr reportedly wants to reunite with Knicks president Phil Jackson, he isn't a lock to take the job. Golden State is another team vying for Kerr, and they are said to be optimistic about their chances of hiring him.
If Kerr were to sign with another team, New York could be next in line to contact Chicago for permission to interview Thibodeau.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Warriors both reportedly plan to seek permission from Chicago to speak with Thibodeau, which suggests the Bulls may be amendable to the idea of trading him -- similar to the way the Boston Celtics traded coach Doc Rivers to the Los Angeles Clippers last summer.
Rumors linked Thibodeau to the Knicks earlier in the season. There's reportedly friction between the defensive-minded coach and the Bulls' front office, but a decision to field offers for Thibodeau could ultimately depend on where Knicks star Carmelo Anthony signs in free agency.
