New York Knicks Close To Finalizing Mike Woodson Deal

The New York Knicks and coach Mike Woodson are believed to be in the final stages of contract talks which will secure the coaches job in the next few days.

A source close to the talks tells ESPNNewYork.com:

“They’re just waiting on paperwork.”

A second source also called the contract “just a matter of time.”

Mike Woodson took over coaching duties after Mike D’Antoni stepped down on March 14. Under Woodson’s leadership the Knicked finished the regular season with an 18-6 record and a seventh place finish in the Eastern Conference.

Since taking over many of the Knicks top players including Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin have voiced their support for Woodson. Earlier this month Carmelo Anthony wrote:

“I’m hopeful he’s back. There’s no need to try to change it up now. I’m a big believer in sticking with what you have.”

Rumors had been circulated over the last several weeks that the Knicks would try to woo former Bulls and Lakers head coach Phil Jackson out of retirement while another source claimed it would be Kentucky coach John Calipari.

In the meantime it doesn’t appear as if Phil Jackson wants out of his retirement and Calipari has repeatedly said he is not interesting in leaving his college coaching job for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Woodson in the meantime is no slouch, having taken the Atlanta Hawks to the playoffs in three of his six seasons with the club.

The New York Knicks front office is refusing to comment on Woodson’s contract negotiations at this time.