Isiah Thomas wants to get back in the NBA as a general manager, but until then, he'll be a consultant to the New York Knicks while still coaching Florida International.

Thomas told ESPN.com Friday that he accepted a more formal and unique consulting position with his former employer, where he will help Knicks general manager Donnie Walsh make decisions on draft picks, trades and personnel.

"I'll be available to him for that," Thomas said by phone from South Florida. "I've always said that if there's a GM position that should ever open that I would be interested in going back to the NBA as a GM for the right spot and the right opportunity. In terms of going back as a coach, I don't see myself doing that."

Thomas, who coached FIU to a 7-25 record (4-14 in the Sun Belt) last year in his first season on the job, said he first checked with the NCAA to see if he could be a paid consultant with an NBA team and simultaneously coach a Division I school. FIU athletic director Pete Garcia was unavailable for comment early Friday.

"I couldn't be the GM,'' said Thomas of maintaining two jobs. "But we checked with the NCAA and you can do it. I'm excited about what we're building here at FIU and that will continue to be my main focus. In my spare time, when I do have time, just like I've always done, I'll consult and advise the Knicks whenever they ask for my help."

Though the NCAA may have given the OK for Thomas to work as a consultant for the Knicks while still serving as the men's basketball coach, the NBA hasn't cleared it.

Thomas would have to violate several league rules to serve in both capacities. The NBA does not allow team personnel to scout high school players, which Thomas presumably would have to do to recruit players, nor does it allow contact with draft-eligible collegiate players, which Thomas would have coaching his own team.