Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins may still be leading his team through the postseason this week, but that hasn't stopped two teams from showing interest in his services. Both the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers could be suitors for his services this summer, according to a pair of reports.
Nets, Clippers could be targeting Lionel Hollins as next coach
The Nets and Clippers could be suitors for Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins once the team’s postseason run ends.
With his contract set to expire following the season, Hollins could be a prime candidate for numerous coaching vacancies this offseason. Assuming teams are willing to wait until Memphis’ playoff run ends to pursue the coach, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Grizzlies had some competition in retaining him.
After spending big money to fill the roster entering this season, the Nets could conceivably make Hollins a lucrative contract offer this offseason. Gary Woeffel of the Racine Journal Times says Brooklyn is “honing in” on the Grizzlies coach, which could make for an intriguing battle between the two teams.
A small-market team like the Grizzlies could be hesitant to match the potentially large salary Brooklyn might offer, and the big-market Clippers could get into the mix as well.
While it's unclear what L.A. plans to do with current coach Vinny Del Negro, Clippers owner Donald Sterling was seen sitting first row at the Grizzlies' opening game against San Antonio last week. His intentions were uncertain, but ESPN's Marc Stein notes of a rumor going around that Sterling was there to scout Hollins in person.
If true, there could be quite the bidding war for Hollins’ services this summer. In a world where player salaries are capped and coach salaries aren’t, don’t be surprised if Hollins gets a nice raise.
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