From ESPN.COM
HOUSTON -- Jeff Van Gundy has tentatively agreed to become the Rockets'
next coach, a Houston television station reported Monday.
NBA sources told KRIV that Van Gundy called the Rockets on Monday morning and
said he will be their next coach pending successful contract negotiations,
which are ongoing at this time.
Van Gundy spent two days in Houston last week meeting with Rockets officials
and looking at schools and houses with his wife. But he left town without
accepting the Rockets' offer, which was believed to be for $4 million to
$5 million annually for at least four years.
"It was very nice. Houston is a beautiful city and the Rockets are a great
organization. I had a great time," Van Gundy said.
The deal to hire Van Gundy, the former New York Knicks coach, also will
depend on whether the Rockets can agree to give the Knicks some form of
compensation for hiring him. Van Gundy is still under contract with New
York through July 31.
The Washington Wizards have a five-year deal worth between $25 million
and $35 million on the table for Van Gundy to accept. According to ESPN
sources, the former Knicks coach would not have the general manager's title
in Washington, but would have significant say in personnel.
The Wizards have not confirmed that an offer has been made.
Van Gundy has been owner Les Alexander's top choice to replace Rudy
Tomjanovich, the longtime Rockets coach who stepped down on May 23.
The Rockets told their other primary candidate, Mike Dunleavy, that they will
not make any other moves with potential candidates until Van Gundy makes his
decision.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.csie.ntu.edu.tw)
◆ From: 140.116.142.254