Peter Vecsey of the New York Post reports that the Portland Trailblazers will ask the Knicks for permission to speak with Jeff Van Gundy about their head coaching job. It remains unclear if Knicks GM Scott Layden and new MSG boss Steve Mills will grant the request. Van Gundy has 2 years remaining on his Knicks' contract.

Failing that, Portland may turn to former Georgetown coach John Thompson. One has to wonder if keeping Mike Dunleavy was such a bad idea after all.