Sources: Bulls gauge Jackson's interest The Chicago Bulls have reached out to Phil Jackson through back channels to gauge his interest in returning to the franchise he won six NBA titles with, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation. There has been no direct contact between Bulls officials and Jackson, according to the sources, but people close to both parties have spoken and come away with the belief that Jackson would be open to a potential reunion in Chicago next season. Gar Forman, the Bulls' general manager, refused to comment on the club's coaching search when reached Monday night by telephone. Chicago could be on the verge of its biggest offseason since the Michael Jordan Era, when Jordan and Jackson led the club to double three-peats from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. With roughly $23 million to spend in free agency, the Bulls are one of the more probable landing spots for LeBron James. James is intrigued by the possibility of playing with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, according to sources, and the return of Jackson would only make the Bulls that much more attractive to the Cleveland Cavaliers' two-time MVP. Jackson, who is in the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, would likely only be interested in coaching Chicago if James signed there. If Jackson and James joined the Bulls, Jackson would have the unparalleled opportunity to have coached Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and James. The Bulls are one of six teams in the league with a head coaching vacancy and one of several believed to have interest in Jackson. Jackson, whose Lakers lead the Phoenix Suns 2-1 in the Western Conference finals, has said recently there's a "90 percent chance" that if he coaches next season it will be with the Lakers. But Lakers owner Jerry Buss reportedly wants Jackson to take a pay cut from the $12 million salary he's receiving this season. That could open the door for the Bulls, as well as the Cavaliers or New Jersey Nets, to make a run at Jackson. The future of the 64-year old coach has been a mystery surrounding the Lakers all season. On March 26 in Oklahoma City Jackson said, "No decision and no leaning at all. I'm leaning against the wall and that's about it," after a report surfaced earlier that day that Jackson had made his decision to return. On May 4, during the second round against the Utah Jazz, Jackson said he would not be interested in the Bulls' job after hearing of Vinny Del Negro's firing. "No, I'm not," Jackson said. "I think it's a wonderful job for whoever takes it. It's a team on the rise and there's some young talent that showed their ability to come back after probably a devastating first two months. Then from January on they played pretty well." Prior to Game 1 of the conference finals, Jackson modified the line he used in Oklahoma City, saying, "I'm leaning on a podium, that's about it," when asked about a radio interview with Fox Sports Radio's "The Petros and Money Show" when Jackson's stance seemed to waiver. "Well I think it's pretty good," he said following a question about his chances of retiring after this season. "It's really about how I feel about getting into another 82-game season. It's a commitment." Jackson, the NBA's all-time leader with 10 championships, coached the Bulls from 1989-1998. Since leaving the Bulls, Jackson has maintained a friendship with team owner Jerry Reinsdorf. link
I'd like to see how Kobe does without PJ. PJ goes to Chicago and the Rockets beat the Lakers in the playoffs next season. Go Rockets.
Would he have to accept before the end of the FA period or can he wait for the next greatest player in the game to move before flocking to him?
This is really good news for us Rockets fans. If PJ leaves the Lakers, we have a better chance of beating them next year because, IMO, he is the backbone of the team and w/o him, they are nothing. Another reason why this is good news because this makes the NY picks even more valuable. If PJ goes to Chicago, there is a better chance LeBron goes to Chicago than New York. Lets pray that Buss tries to lowball him and PJ bolts for Chicago.
Phil Jackson leaving the Lakers would effectively gut and decapitate them, Kobe and Gasol or not. <p> Good move on Phil's part. Get the money he wants from Kupchak, or join Lebron in Chicago.
Exactly. I'm sure Phil knows exactly what he's doing here. Even if the reports are bogus, he'll just play coy, just to make Buss sweat. Master of mindgames at work here. I expect him to be back in LA next year if they win a ring.
Phil Jackson moving to Chicago means LeBron (and Bosh) probably don't sign with NY. This needs to happen. But doesn't Jackson have relations with Buss's daughter?
He does. I just don't see why PJ would leave a great situation in LA.... especially if he wins a title this season. Kobe for one... is not going to let him leave. I think the bond between Phil and Kobe grew stronger after they had that ruckus that summer of 07. I'm sure he has great ties with the Bulls organization, but even if LeBron is there... why abandon such a great Lakers team.
Yeah its probably a slim chance he leaves the Lakers but the Bulls will offer him more money and Buss wanted him to take a pay cut next season, so that might play a role. And if Lebron wants to go to Chicago, that would only sweeten the pot to go back to Chicago and try to win there again.
100% agree, except the Lakers won't let him go. By itself, PJ signing with the Bulls to coach LeBron would make the crazy hype of this summer worthwhile. I wish it would happen but it ain't. I also agree if PJ left the Lakers, they definitely would not win the championship next season. He is as essential as Kobe or Pau.
Imagine Phi leaves LA for CHI and Lebron goes to CHI also? Phil would somehow manage to coach three best players of their era. Its going to happen. Phil is the Zen Master for a reason.
My maxim with the rockets goes, "If it has a chance of helping us, its not going to happen." So with that in mind, I think Buss caves, and Phil stays.
imagine if kobe took a pay cut n followed him to chicago along with bosh n lbj. those 3 in the triangle=scary
I don't see this happening. Just a few days ago Jackson was talking in an interview about how he's not sure if he's up to another season of being on the road etc. I'm looking for him to retire after this season, no matter how the fakers finish.
Even if Phil Jackson goes to Chicago, why would Lebron also go to Chicago to play under Michael Jordan's shadow. If he went to Chicago, his every move and decision will compared to Jordan and criticized if he doesn't match up.
