The Chicago Bulls are working to bring Phil Jackson back to coach the team, ESPN's Chris Broussard reports.
Broussard, citing two unnamed sources with knowledge of the situation, reported Monday night that the Bulls -- who won six NBA championships with Jackson on the bench (and Michael Jordan on the court) -- have had back-channel conversations regarding a Jackson reunion, and that both sides believe Jackson would listen.
Jackson is completing the last season of his contract with the Lakers, and negotiations on a new deal reportedly have been contentious.
In addition to his six titles in Chicago, he has four with L.A., giving him a league-record 10 rings. He is two wins from a shot at No. 11.
Chicago could make a return even more attractive to Jackson by acquiring LeBron James. The Bulls are considered one of the favorites to land the superstar, who can opt out of his Cavaliers contract on July 1.
Bulls general manager Gar Forman declined to comment on the team's coaching search when reached by telephone Monday night, ESPN reports. Chicago fired Vinny Del Negro after the team's first-round playoff loss.
Earlier this month, Jackson told reporters he wasn't interested in taking over for Del Negro.
"No, I'm not," Jackson said, per the Chicago Tribune. "I think it's a wonderful job for whoever takes it. It's a team on the rise and there's some young talent that showed their ability to come back after probably a devastating first two months. Then from January on they played pretty well."
On Monday, the Plain Dealer of Cleveland reported that Jackson is on the Cavaliers' wish list of replacements for the fired Mike Brown.
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