Knicks Close to Naming Riley Coach

Pat Riley officially was offered the job on May 22, and the process of making him the coach of the New York Knicks could be complete as early as today.

Representatives of Riley, former coach of the Lakers, and the Knicks have met repeatedly since then and club president Dave Checketts said a news conference was being prepared.

Details are unknown, but it is believed that Riley, 46, will sign the richest contract for a coach in NBA history: up to $1.5 million per season, plus perks, which may include a Manhattan apartment. Newsday reported in today’s editions that only details have delayed the announcement.

Checketts said the negotiations “have been a little complicated, but I don’t anticipate any problem.”