The Suns have given head coach Mike D’Antoni permission to talk to the Bulls and Knicks about their head coaching vacancies.
So if even Suns management is now convinced that reconciling with its coach is no longer possible, giving D’Antoni an opportunity to find a new job might be the easiest way for Phoenix to move forward without worrying about the two years and $8.5 million left on his contract. As opposed to firing D’Antoni and paying the full amount or trying to work out a buyout, allowing him to land a new job and thus a new salary would offset whatever the Suns owe him.
But sources close to the situation have maintained for days that D’Antoni does not want to continue coaching in Phoenix if he must implement the changes suggested by his bosses, which include increasing the time spent practicing defense and a more stern approach with younger players such as Suns forward Amare Stoudemire and guard Leandro Barbosa.
Wow, first the Mavs fire Avery Johnson (59.3 wins over the last three seasons) and now it looks like Mike D’Antoni (58 wins over the last four seasons) is available as well. I don’t remember the last time two coaches that have had this kind of recent, sustained success were available in the same offseason.
This appears to be a breakdown between D’Antoni’s relationship with new GM Steve Kerr. It’s understandable that D’Antoni is resistant to making major changes to a system that has worked pretty well over the last four years. But the proof is in the playoffs and the Suns haven’t had the kind of postseason success they wanted given their roster and payroll.
