The Los Angeles Clippers have a big summer ahead of themselves and one of the biggest issues before trying to get Chris Paul back will be the possible return of coach Vinny Del Negro, who's contract ends on June 30.
According to ESPN.com, sources say that Del Negro is close to returning to the team after taking the Clippers to their first division title. Owner Donald Sterling will make the final call, but sources say that after a 56 win season and successful play with point guard Chris Paul, that the coach will be returning. Paul will play a factor in the coaching decision, as the Clippers want him back and to keep him happy.
Team officials are still deciding what to do, but sources say that he will be back despite losing in Game 6 to lose 4-2 to the Grizzlies in the first round. Now that Memphis is into the conference finals, that may not look as bad anymore. Del Negro also led the team to a franchise record 56 games and despite giving signs that they would make the choice early, the team has taken time to figure things out.
The team can't sign Paul until July 1 and they will try to sign him back with a large contract. Del Negro will likely get a short term contract because that's what Sterling likes, but his relationship with Chris Paul could be the biggest factor. Executives are confident in getting back Paul and Del Negro is a big part of that.
"Every offseason is huge," Clippers general manager Gary Sacks said. "Last offseason was huge. Vinny and I worked really closely to put this team together and get what we thought were the right pieces for our team to compete and be as good as we possibly could be as an organization. We came up short, and that's a disappointment. But we have to look at a lot of the positives. I thought he and the staff did a really good job during the season. We need to move forward looking for ways of improving ourselves to go further and achieve our goals."
