Report: Knicks interested in Ujiri as potential Jackson successor

Brought over in 2014 to help salvage the franchise, New York Knicks president Phil Jackson has done little to instill confidence in management and fans after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

James Dolan has given no indication that Jackson is on the hot seat, however, the Knicks owner is reportedly keeping his options open should Jackson be fired or resign prior to the end of his contract.

One name who could potentially succeed Jackson is Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports.

Although Ujiri and Dolan don't appear to have a strong personal relationship, there is an indirect connection between the two. Former CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Tim Leiweke was responsible for bringing Ujiri to Toronto. Leiweke has since left the Raptors to start his own business with Irving Azoff - the man responsible for bringing Jackson to New York and a business partner of Dolan.

With that being said, Ujiri currently still has two years left on his deal with the Raptors and is unquestionably in a better situation in Toronto than he would be in New York. Things can change over a two-year period, but for now, Raptors fans likely don't need to worry.