The NBA has hit New York Knicks president Phil Jackson with a $25,000 fined, citing tampering with Oklahoma City Thunder reserve point guard Derek Fisher as the reason. Jackson, however, isn't deterred by the NBA's action and plans to meet with Fisherlater this week, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com on Monday.
Jackson's fine stems from comments he made during a press conference last week, when he revealed his interest in hiring Fisher as the Knicks next head coach.
But with Fisher having likely played his final NBA game, Jackson intends to meet with him later this week. The source also said the idea of coaching in New York under the tutelage of Jackson might prove too enticing for Fisher to reject.
Fisher's name has also surfaced as a possible candidate to fill the Los Angles Lakers head-coaching vacancy.
The NBA informed all its teams of the fine as a reminder of its anti-tampering policy, the source said.
Fisher, 39, completed his 17th NBA season Saturday, when the Thunder were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs, 112-107, in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. During the game, Fisher played 33 minutes and was the only Thunder non-starter to score -- finishing with five points.
He was the last Thunder player to leave the court after the loss, taking a moment to discuss the possibilities that await him, including potential head-coaching offers.
"Just understanding the moment, just understanding that it's possible that it could be the last time I walk off the court as a player," Fisher told Yahoo! Sports. "Obviously, there are a number of people that are going to be impacted by the decision I do make whether I continue to play or [if] I decide to do something else within the game.
"Whatever it is, there is a lot at stake. I'm not going to rush. I'm not going to be emotional.
"Right now there is a lot of emotion. As soon as possible, I'm going to try to take the best next steps."
Jackson's interest in Fisher grew exponentially when Steve Kerr spurned the Knicks in May to become head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
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