Phil Jackson left the NBA in 2011. Since that time numerous teams have tried to entice the 11-time coaching champion out of his retirement home in Montana and back to the game of basketball. Now, it appears that the New York Knicks have succeeded in netting the 68-year-old.

Several reports are circulating that the Knicks and Jackson have reached a deal in principle that will bring Jackson into the front office. Although an official announcement is not expected until the end of the week, a source has confirmed the agreement. “Everything is pretty much done. There are just some little things here and there that need to be worked out, but the Knicks are very confident that this is essentially done.”

Neither Jackson or the Knicks has commented on the speculation. But if the deal goes through as expected, then it will be a reunion for Jackson and the organization where he got his start. In fact, Jackson played on the last Knicks’ championship team way back in 1973.

Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, who will become a free agent after this season, spoke of the front office move, “Have I heard? Yeah, I’ve heard that he will be coming on board. It’s not official yet. You can always use Phil Jackson’s insight on whatever … his philosophy, his mindset, his resume, what he brings to the game, what he brings to a team or organization. That goes without even saying, so we’ll see how that plays out.”

It doesn’t appear that Jackson’s signing will have a big impact on Anthony’s free agency plans. “It wasn’t something that was do-or-die based on my decision. Them guys was going to make that decision regardless of what I said.” He added, “I don’t think it’ll have any effect on me, just as far as what I’m thinking or my decision or anything like that.”

After a promising 54 wins last season, the Knicks thought that they could be championship-bound this year. However, they are currently 25-40. But even with the abysmal record, the team is only 3.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the final eighth playoff spot.

Phil Jackson to the Knickerbockers would be a fun media event but I don't even think Jesus H. Christ could do anything for that franchise.

— @KGTrashTalk (@KGTrashTalk) March 12, 2014

Why a Phil Jackson-Knicks marriage would eventually end in an ugly divorce http://t.co/FwhAiYeqfQ via @YahooSports

— jose3030 (@jose3030) March 11, 2014

Image via Wikimedia Commons