Programming a modern Xeon x86 does count. Modernising your software for a haswell/skylake server Xeon (ISA was made public) also modernises it for the new Xeon Phi. You have a nearly identical ISA and programming model. In other words, modernising your code to scale well on a 16C/2P Xeon system is essentially dipping your toe for a full blown KNL Xeon Phi.

PS. For pricing, take into account that the new generation Xeon Phi's are bootable, you do not need a host CPU babysit like Tesla's case.