On Saturday, it was reported that the Houston Rockets and head coach Mike D’Antoni had rekindled talks over a contract extension.
Talks had ended in May after D’Antoni and his agent, Warren LeGarie said they did not support the buyout language in the new contract.
Per ESPN:
[Rockets owner Tilman] Fertitta and Rockets general manager Daryl Morey visited D’Antoni at his offseason home in West Virginia this week to smooth over any hard feelings. LeGarie was not part of those discussions and told ESPN that a deal still needs to be worked out through him.
“Did Mike speak to those guys down there? Yes, he did,” LeGarie told ESPN. “As always, they asked Mike what he thought, and Mike said, ‘Sounds great, but talk to Warren.’ Mike’s job is coaching, and he leaves the negotiating to me.
“Mike is always affable with everybody out there, not trying to raise the rancor in a situation clearly gone astray.”
But, per D’Antoni’s agent Warren LaGarie, the offer is not close to being done. LaGarie was not part of the recent meeting between D’Antoni, Fertitta and Morey, according to a new report.
“Nothing has changed,” LaGarie told Jenny Dial Creech of the Houston Chronicle. “That is the offer, but it is not one we are willing to take.”
According to LaGarie, it isn’t just the buyout clause that they disagree with.
Per the Houston Chronicle:
LaGarie said D’Antoni is worth more than what he’s being offered.
The Rockets’ base salary offer of $5 million is shy of other recent contracts for veteran coaches.
“They know our position, so now it’s up to them,” LaGarie said.
D’Antoni has a 173-73 record in three seasons with the Rockets, including a handful of playoff series wins. However, Houston has yet to be to the NBA finals with the 68-year-old at the team’s helm.
