Warriors to allow Walton to interview for coaching jobs, but not during playoff series

OAKLAND, Calif. - If teams come to the Warriors asking about interviewing top assistant Luke Walton, Golden State plans to oblige - just not while the defending champions are in the middle of a playoff series.

Coach Steve Kerr says the Warriors will grant permission for teams to interview Walton, who guided Golden State to a record 24-0 start and a 39-4 record while Kerr was on a leave of absence because of complications from two back surgeries.

But between series is the approved timing for any such meetings.

While Knicks President Phil Jackson has been in communication with Walton, Kerr insists Walton hasn't interviewed for the New York vacancy - and Walton said the same thing to the San Jose Mercury News before Monday night's Game 2 of the playoffs against Houston. Kerr said Jackson hasn't reached out to Walton specifically about the job, and would need to go through Golden State general manager Bob Myers.

Kerr says: ''Friendships sometimes dictate conversation and there was some of that, but nothing to do with the job. He will always have permission. We will never hold anybody back from interviewing for a position they're interested in, but the timing has to be right and Luke's kind of busy right now.''