Lionel Hollins was reportedly shocked when the Memphis Grizzlies gave him permission to speak with other teams about coaching elsewhere. While both parties have expressed interest in staying together, contract talks have not gone that well. As a result, Hollins' representation has reached out to the Los Angeles Clippers about their head coaching vacancy.
Hollins has said that he is not interested in coaching anywhere else but Memphis. Hollins led the Grizzlies to their best season in franchise history, helping earn the team 56 regular-season wins and a trip to the Western Conference finals. The Grizzlies eventually lost in four games to the San Antonio Spurs. With his contract expiring at the end of June, it was assumed that Hollins was a lock to stay in Memphis.
"I thought everything was good. I was excited when I left [last week]...The next thing I know I've been given permission to talk to other team," Hollins said to a Memphis radio station.
Hollins' relationship with the Memphis front office has been up and down all season. The head coach was reportedly upset when management opted to trade away Rudy Gay back in January. He also does not agree with the team's desire to use advanced statistics to scout potential players. It is these sorts of philosophical differences that have caused negotiations for a contract extension to stall out.
Two NBA sources report Hollins is seriously considering the job with the Los Angeles Clippers. Donald Sterling had Hollins on his short list of possible contenders for the job. His recent track record is stronger than other possible candidates like George Karl. It is that sort of thing that might look good in the eyes of upcoming free agent Chris Paul and could persuade him to stay with the team. Karl is another leading candidate for the Clippers position, but with one year still remaining on his Denver contract, a jump to Los Angeles seems unlikely.
The Brooklyn Nets are the other team in hot pursuit of Hollins. The team has requested an interview with the coach. The Nets are prepared to make their next head coach extremely rich and have been targeting Hollins for some time. Asking permission is simply a formality.
Hollins is easily one of 2013's biggest free agents. With many teams looking for a young coach with a solid track record, he has plenty of people calling his number. He brought a large amount of success to a small market, so teams like the Clippers are hoping he can do the same with a bigger audience.