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Derek Fisher reportedly agrees to become New York Knicks head coach

Former Oklahoma City Thunder and Lakers guard Derek Fisher reportedly has agreed to become head coach of the New York Knicks.
(Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
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Multiple reports have Derek Fisher and the New York Knicks finalizing a deal to make the former Lakers guard a well-paid head coach.

According to Yahoo Sports, Fisher could earn in the range of $25 million over five years. The Knicks, who have not confirmed the report, have scheduled a news conference for Tuesday morning.

Fisher, who just finished his 18th season with a deep playoff run as part of the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been heavily recruited by Knicks President Phil Jackson -- who was even fined $25,000 by the league for tampering while Fisher and the Thunder were in the Western Conference finals.

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The Lakers had some interest in Fisher to replace Mike D’Antoni, who resigned in late April, but chose to pursue a coach with experience for their open position.

The Knicks originally tried to woo Steve Kerr to replace Mike Woodson, but Kerr chose to take over the Golden State Warriors job after Mark Jackson was fired.

Once a deal is complete, Fisher and Jackson could look to bring in former Phil Jackson assistant Kurt Rambis, who was an assistant for the Lakers last season.

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Luke Walton has also been linked to the Knicks as a possible assistant for Fisher.

The Lakers have interviewed five candidates to date, including Byron Scott, Lionel Hollins, Mike Dunleavy, Alvin Gentry and Rambis -- but appear to be in no rush to fill the position.

Gentry is also in discussion with the Cleveland Cavaliers to replace Mike Brown.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

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