Phil Jackson is a hot target as the NBA offseason quickly approaches. As many teams begin to take a look at their current regime and make changes accordingly, everyone wants Jackson in some kind role whether it be as head coach or in the front office. The former Los Angeles Lakers coach is not currently in the league after retiring, but that is not stopping people from contacting him for his services. The Brooklyn Nets joined that list, pursuing the future Hall of Fame coach till fill the void after they released PJ Carlesimo. However, Jackson has kindly declined.
Brooklyn wanted to reach out to Jackson first before pursuing any of the other candidates on their list. General manager Billy King reached out to the 11-time NBA Champion coach about an interest in the open position. Jackson reaffirmed his desire to return to the NBA not as a coach but in a front-office position. Owner Mikhail Prokhorov was prepared to make Jackson the highest-paid coach in the team's history.
Jackson has been vocal about his desire to return to the NBA, but he no longer wants to be a head coach. Jackson is currently working with the Detroit Pistons in an advisory role as the look for a new head coach. The agreement is a short-term deal and mainly the result of the friendship between the coach and Pistons owner Tom Gores. The team felt Jackson would be great resource during their search.
While his role with Detroit will not last after they hire a new coach, the Toronto Raptors are looking to bring in Jackson for a long-term role. After Tim Leiweke was hired as the new overseer of Maple Lead Sports and Entertainment, a group that owners the Raptors, rumors began to swirl of the team's interest in Jackson. Leiweke has a Los Angeles connection after being the chief executive officer of the Los Angeles-based Anschutz Entertainment Group.
The Raptors are currently mulling the decision to retain Bryan Colangelo, current team president and general manger. As they look to prepare for next season, they might try and lure Jackson into the role. If Jackson's intent is to get a senior management role with an NBA team, the Raptors might do everything possible to make that available to him.