Jackson fined $25,000 for tampering with Fisher

In this March 18, 2014 file photo, Phil Jackson answers questions during a news conference in New York. Jackson is expected to provide an update on his search for a coach, Friday, May 30, 2014. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Knicks President Phil Jackson has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for a tampering violation involving veteran guard Derek Fisher.

Jackson told reporters last week that Fisher is “on my list of guys that could be very good candidates” to coach the Knicks next season. Because Fisher is under contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, that was deemed to be in violation of league rules.

The Thunder were eliminated from the Western Conference finals on Saturday night. Fisher is widely expected to retire and told reporters after Oklahoma City’s season ended that he plans to have conversations with teams about his future at some point.

Fisher just completed his 18th season. He played under Jackson with the Los Angeles Lakers, and helped that franchise win five NBA titles.

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