The Memphis Grizzlies have taken a one-game lead on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second-round playoff series and yet, there are talks that head coach Lionel Hollins will not be retained when the season is over. The head coach has helped build Memphis into the team they are today, however his pending contract has people believing the Grizzlies will let him go whenever the season is over.
Hollins' current contract ends this summer, leaving Memphis to decide whether to sign him to an extension or find someone new. Hollins is not distracted by the contract situation, saying he is simply focused on moving forward in the playoffs and preparing to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder.
"I can't be concerned about that. I have a job to do. I'm excited with where we are and what we're doing. I'm excited about the job I have and the players I have. My focus is just on them and doing that," Hollins said.
Hollins told ESPN that Grizzlies management has told him they want him back in Memphis, keeping his confident of his status with the future of the franchise. NBA sources say it is highly likely Hollins will get a new contract, despite the head coach voicing concerns the team's front office. After the Ruby Gay trade in January, Hollins admitted he was frustrated by the way things were going. It seems he has had a change of heart as he hopes to keep building on what is already in place.
As Hollins continues to have postseason success, more teams become interested in him. The Brooklyn Nets are reputedly targeting Hollins for their vacancy at head coach. The team fired PJ Carlesimo and was rejected by potential candidate, Phil Jackson. Even if the Grizzlies have said they intend on keeping Hollins around, the Nets will not stop pursuing him until he signs a new contract.
After Memphis lost their first two games to the Los Angeles Clippers, Grizzlies management had a conversation with Hollins to discuss the future of the team.
"The only conversations we've had is they said they want me back. After we lost the first two games to the Clippers, we had a friendly conversation about the series and how they just wanted me personal to know that regardless of what's being said out there, this is how they felt."