As the Brooklyn Nets continue their search for a new head coach, the New York Daily News is reporting that they may have to wait some time before they get their chance to talk with Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins.
According to the report, just a day after being eliminated in a four game sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs during the Western Conference finals, Hollins said he doesn't believe he'll be granted permission to speak to other teams before his contract expires on June 30.
"Hopefully, I'll be here," Hollins told the media. "I think they understand that I want to be back."
Hollins led the Grizzlies to a franchise best of 56 wins this season and with playoff wins over the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder, he's considered one of the hottest coaches to hit the market.
He reportedly made $2.3 million this season and is currently sought out by the both the Nets and Clippers for their vacant coaching positions.
The fact that the Grizzlies won't allow Hollins to speak to other teams until his contract expires puts a flaw on the plans of the Nets, who prefer to have their coaching searches resolved before free agency begins on July 1.
After Nets GM Billy King announced the decision to not bring interim coach P.J. Carlesimo back for a new contract after the team exited the playoffs, King made it clear that the franchise would not rush into making a decision.
"We're going to take our time," the GM said. "If it takes a month, it'll take a month."
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