Jerry Reinsdorf, Mike D'Antoni meet in Arizona
Sources have confirmed that Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and Mike D'Antoni, the man who wants to be the Bulls next head coach, met Friday night.
The meeting was likely arranged in order for Reinsdorf to judge whether D'Antoni will be committed enough to the team's philosophy of defensive play that Reinsdorf could sign off on his hiring should general manager John Paxson decide D'Antoni is his man.
(AP file)
Reports out of New York Friday had the Knicks ready to offer Mike D’Antoni a five-year contract worth approximately $30 million or more to become the team’s next coach. An ESPN report Saturday said the offer from the Knicks was four years and $24 million. But one of those same Friday reports was wrong when it had the Bulls preparing to an offer to D’Antoni by Sunday.
The Bulls have no plans to extend a contract to D’Antoni by this weekend according to those in the know, though parameters of an offer likely were discussed between Reinsdorf and D'Antoni Friday night.
An offer of four years for $18-20 million from the Bulls is possible should they decide to sign D'Antoni. The Bulls, true to Paxson’s promise, remain without a timetable or deadline to find their next head coach.
D’Antoni, who met with Paxson earlier in the week and is said to covet the Bulls’ job, but may have to decide to take an offer by the Knicks or wait until the Bulls ultimately decide whether to offer him a contract.
What is certain is that D’Antoni will not be returning to the Phoenix Suns, who will owe him $8.5 million for the two years left on his current contract should D’Antoni not take another job. The Suns are not expecting D’Antoni’s situation to be resolved until Monday at the earliest but would like it to conclude soon.
A source close to Avery Johnson’s situation said Paxson had to postpone an interview scheduled with Johnson, recently fired as coach of the Dallas Mavericks, due to a conflict. The Bulls have shown a willingness to reschedule but there is a sense that Johnson is serious about sitting out next season and collecting money from the Mavs, who would owe $12 million over the next three seasons if Johnson decides not to return to coaching.
Johnson may also be waiting to see if the Atlanta Hawks will be in the market for a head coach once they hire a new general manager.
Tom Thibodeau, Boston Celtics assistant, could also be interviewed by Paxson if a D'Antoni deal is not done soon.
