Knicks trying to hire Steve Kerr in early May

The New York Knicks are trying to complete a deal with TNT's Steve Kerr that would install him as their new coach after the first round of the playoffs, according to sources with knowledge of the talks.

Sources told ESPN.com on Tuesday that the intention of new Knicks president Phil Jackson is to secure Kerr as his first coaching hire by early next month, which would theoretically soften the blow for the announcer's current employer to withstand losing its No. 1 analyst in the midst of the playoffs.