The Knicks are expected to get a run for their money from the Kings for the services of Phil Jackson.

Sources close to the Zen Master say the Kings offer a lot of intriguing possibilities and could be the pick if he does not return to the Lakers.

If Jackson does head to the Kings, that could open up a window of opportunity for Isiah Thomas to pursue current Kings coach Rick Adelman, who would be unemployed. Adelman has just one year left on his pact and is said to be angry the Kings contacted agent Todd Musburger before consulting him.

Jackson considers ownership of utmost importance, and it's known he has a strong liking for the Maloof family. Jackson spent a weekend at the Maloof-owned Palms Hotel in Las Vegas last August for Michael Jordan's fantasy camp. He also attended the Maloof Family Holiday Party in Los Angeles in December.

Two of Jackson's children now reside in the Bay Area, close to Sacramento. It's also known his girlfriend, Lakers VP Jeanie Buss, if Jackson cannot land back in L.A., would prefer him in Sacramento, only a commuter flight away from La-La Land.

The final factor in the Kings' favor is they are closer to a championship than any other team in the mix — including the Lakers, Knicks and Blazers.

On Tuesday, Musburger told The Post, "We are flying in a no-comment zone. We are trying to conduct private business, unfortunately, in view of the public."

Meanwhile, Thomas has spoken to more than a half-dozen coaches, even assistants such as Washington's Mike O'Koren and Indiana's Mike Brown. P.J. Carlesimo and Maurice Cheeks are high on Isiah's list, and it appears Flip Saunders is closer to being hired by Portland or Cleveland. Herb Williams still is in the mix.

Other coaches who are available are Eric Musselman and Dan Issel.

It is unclear if Thomas has asked the Kings' permission to talk to Adelman, who prefers an up-tempo offense Isiah likes.

A few days ago, when the Kings' rumors surfaced following their playoff ouster, Adelman said, "The Maloofs have treated me so good and have been so loyal to me that if that indeed happened, I have been here seven years and I'd be surprised. I think I deserve a little better than that."

crzymdups..........we have Marbury (one of the best half-court, pick and roll PGs), does it even make sense to try to play up tempo? Obviously, Jamal and Trevor would flourish in an up tempo system, but I'm not so sure Marbury would. He's a half court PG. I don't think his ankles can put up with the running. Also, he doesn't make very good decisions on the break. I don't know, I feel like the Knicks need a half-court, defensive-minded coach. I really think Phil Jackson would be a great fit...obviously that's a stretch at this point...I don't know who else out there fits that mold.

I'd rather keep Herb if the Knicks can't get a real guy in there.