NBA Rumors: Sources Reporting Thunder Have Interest in Phil Jackson

The Oklahoma City Thunder are less than 24 hours removed from losing the 2012 NBA Finals, but they haven’t skipped a beat and are already making big plans for this offseason.

One of those major changes could involve bringing in a brand new head coach, and the two candidates the organization is considering might shock you.

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein:

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Sources say that the Thunder, just to be safe, have started brainstorming in-house about whom they plan to pursue should negotiations with (incumbent head coach Scott) Brooks' collapse. Two names, according to sources, that have come up in those discussions: ESPN's Jeff Van Gundy and, yes, 11-ringed coaching free agent Phil Jackson.

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While the Thunder aren’t actively pursuing either man right now, they might have no other option should Brooks continue to decline their “north of $4 million” offer.

Money may not even be the main issue during these negotiations, but Stein is reporting that years certainly are going to play a factor. The 2010 Coach of the Year is apparently holding out for a four-year guaranteed contract, while the Thunder brass is only looking to give him three at the most.

Phil Jackson would be a major upgrade and the best choice should the team forge ahead without Brooks, but his asking price is going to be through the roof. He made $12 million per season from 2008 to 2010 and signed an extension for likely the same amount for 2010-11.

However, the Zen Master is worth every dollar for an organization that has the pieces in place to win now. He’s been able to get the most out of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, so there is little doubt Jackson would have the same impact on Kevin Durant.

This is a team that could easily win it all when playing its best basketball. But the Thunder do not have much time.

With James Harden and Serge Ibaka due for massive contracts in the summer of 2014, it’s going to be tough for OKC to keep this contending core together.

The Thunder must go all in with the pieces they have now and add an incredible, proven coach like Phil Jackson. He would push the talented players over the hump, and they would win at least one NBA title within the next two seasons.