Reports: Grizzlies give Lionel Hollins permission to speak to other teams
Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins shouts during the first half of a game against the Nets in Memphis. (Jan. 25, 2013) Credit: AP
Looks like Lionel Hollins' tenure in Memphis is over.
According to multiple reports, the Grizzlies have given Hollins permission to speak to other teams, paving the way for him to potentially land in Brooklyn or elsewhere. Hollins, who just guided Memphis to the Western Conference Finals, is considered one of the hottest coaching candidates on the market.
Yahoo! reported Sunday that Hollins and Pacers assistant Brian Shaw -- a pair of names that have been bandied about for weeks -- are the primary focuses for the Nets, who reportedly also reached out to Jeff Van Gundy recently. Yahoo! also reported that talks broke down between Hollins, whose contract expires June 30, and the Grizzlies Saturday night.
Shaw, who's reportedly on the Clippers' short list of candidates as well, isn't expected to interview until the Pacers have been eliminated. They face the Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Miami Monday night.
