RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Stan Van Gundy Confirms He Won't Coach Next Season

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:46:07 EDT

Stan Van Gundy appeared on The David Baumann Radio Show on Tuesday morning in Orlando and confirmed he will not coach next season.

“As you get down the road more and the longer you are out, the harder it is to get back in and that was certainly a difficult part of the decision process for me because it’s certainly something that I miss and don’t want to close the door on for the rest of my life, but, it is not right now anyway, in the best interest of my family, so it won’t be next year,” said Van Gundy.

Van Gundy has not interviewed with any teams, though he has been contacted.

The Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks are two teams known to have interest in Van Gundy.

“I sort of laugh a little bit on jobs I supposedly interviewed for. I don’t know who those sources are. I certainly have had inquiries from people, but no job offers and I have not interviewed anywhere.”

Van Gundy was also asked about an ESPN report indicating Dwight Howard's frustration with Mike D'Antoni.

“When Dwight has a private meeting with Mitch Kupchak, I don’t know who the source would be… other than Mitch Kupchak," said Van Gundy. "My guess is Mitch is not the source and Dwight is not the source.

“I know through my own history and even some things written about what I was supposedly doing this Spring, that quite honestly, I think a lot of times these writers just sit down, make up a story, claim there’s a source and put it out there. I hate to say that, but there’s no other explanation.”

Larry Drew Will Interview For Bucks' Head Coaching Job Monday

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:26:42 EDT

Larry Drew will interview for the Milwaukee Bucks' head coaching vacancy on Monday and is receiving interest from a second team.

The Bucks called Danny Ferry about speaking with Drew, who is still under contract with the Atlanta Hawks until June 30, and they were granted permission.

“I’ve moved on from the situation,” Drew said. “We had a very professional talk just trying to get things in order since I’m still under contract.”

While Drew is prepared to part ways with the Hawks, the door is not completely closed on him returning as coach.

“There is not a sadness,” Drew said. “This is a business. We left open that this could evolve back. If it doesn’t, I have to move on. That’s how this business works. I knew that. Nine years is a good run. There is a business side to this profession."

Report: Redick Unlikely To Return To Bucks

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:29:49 EDT

J.J. Redick is unlikely to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, according to a report.

Redick will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Redick is coming off a reported 3-year, $20 million contract.

Sloan Not Interested In Coaching Bucks

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:21:41 EDT

Jerry Sloan is not interested in taking the Milwaukee Bucks’ vacant head coaching position.

Sloan met with Bucks officials last week.

"The bottom line is, Jerry doesn't really feel it's the right fit for him right now," Keith Glass, Sloan’s agent, said on Thursday. "He's interested (in coaching again). He's in Chicago now watching the Pre-Draft. And his name keeps popping up with every job, and he hasn't applied for anything. He had a real nice meeting with them. They came to see him on his farm (in downstate Illinois). They had a great meeting just in terms of liking each other. (Bucks general manager) John Hammond said 'I wish I could have stayed and watched the game with him.' It's just not the right fit for Jerry, from Jerry's point of view. That's not a negative thing; that's just the reality."

Glass said that Sloan would be interested in coaching a playoff-level team.

"Jerry probably is a lot like Scott, in that the working conditions and where the team is (contender-wise) are important," Glass said. "For Jerry to go to a place that's going to take years to build—and I'm not talking about Milwaukee, I'm talking about anywhere—that's just not right for him. They have to be able to compete. Jerry is a competitor, and he wants to compete and teach."

Sloan Considered Serious Candidate For Bucks' Opening

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:57:56 EDT

Jerry Sloan has already met with the Milwaukee Bucks about their head coaching vacancy and sources say he is a serious candidate.

Sloan abruptly stepped down as head coach of the Utah Jazz in February of 2011.

The Bucks fired Scott Skiles midseason and replaced him with Jim Boylan on an interim basis.

Steve Clifford Interviews With Bucks

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:49:27 EDT

Steve Clifford has an interview with the Milwaukee Bucks for their head coaching vacancy on Monday, according to sources.

Clifford spent last season with the Los Angeles Lakers after serving as assistant coach of the Orlando Magic for five seasons. Clifford was previously with the Houston Rockets for four seasons. 

Clifford also will interview with the Charlotte Bobcats.

John Hammond is searching for a replacement for Jim Boylan.

Redick Plans To Consult With Krzyzewski On Free Agency Decision

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:08:34 EDT

J.J. Redick plans to consult with Mike Krzyzewski before making his free agent decision.

Redick will spend the offseason in Texas as he explores his options for the future.

"I don't take anything for granted," Redick said. "If I have one option or four options this summer, I'll be excited about anything. I feel blessed that I made it through my seventh year, and I'm healthy and in one piece. I'm excited about the future. It's probably my only chance to be unrestricted during the prime of my career. It's exciting."

Redick shot just 31.8 percent from beyond the arc after being acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks at the trade deadline.

Mark Jackson: Trading Monta Ellis Helped Change Warriors' Culture

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:20:21 EDT

Mark Jackson was asked on Thursday how the Golden State Warriors' trade of Monta Ellis for Andrew Bogut, which created more opportunities for Klay Thompson.

“It helped change the culture," said Jackson. :Obviously it was easier to pull the trigger because we knew what we had in Klay and it was time for him to be a starting two-guard. And he does everything right.” 

Jackson was asked for anything specific in how the trade helped change the culture.

"You know," said Jackson.

Jackson called Ellis the third best shooting guard in the NBA when he was hired.

Prospective Kings' Owner Interested In Monta Ellis

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:55:37 EDT

Monta Ellis has yet to decide if he will opt out of his $11 million deal for the 13-14 NBA season, but he could have one potential suitor in the Sacramento Kings.

A member of the Kings' prospective ownership group has worked on a background check on Ellis as a potential player to sign if Tyreke Evans departs in the offseason.

Evans will be a restricted free agent in the offseason.

Ellis, Sanders Were Physically Separated Following Game 3

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:47:17 EDT

Monta Ellis and Larry Sanders nearly engaged in a physical confrontation after Game 3 of the Milwaukee Bucks' first round series against the Miami Heat, according to four sources.

The Bucks were swept by the Heat in four games.

The two players had to be physically separated.

One source described the confrontation as “just words between teammates in the locker room.” 

Sanders made a speech following a 13-points loss on the Bucks' home floor in an attempt to rally his teammates.

“We need to start playing together as a team and stop worrying about next year,” according to one of the people briefed on the confrontation. “We need to stop being selfish and start worrying about right now.”

Ellis “took umbrage,” according to another person with knowledge of the situation. 

Ellis and Brandon Jennings will likely be free agents this offseason.

Jim Boylan Relieved Of Duties As Interim Head Coach Of Bucks

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:05:02 EDT

The Milwaukee Bucks have relieved Jim Boylan of his duties as interim head coach.

Boylan went 22-28 as head coach, helping the Bucks secure the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Stan Van Gundy and Kelvin Sampson are the two main targets for the Bucks, according to sources that spoke with Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Mike Dunleavy Likes Bucks, Open To Return

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:36:07 EDT

Mike Dunleavy signed a two-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2011 and will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Heading into free agency, Dunleavy believes he will definitely consider returning to the Bucks and liked his situation over the past two seasons.

"I like being here; I grew up here," Dunleavy said. "I signed as a free agent here. I'm willing to come back. I've got to talk to the team and see what they want to do and go from there."

Still, Dunleavy -- like many of the Bucks' role players -- was not pleased with the way the season unfolded.

"I have no issue about getting swept by the Heat," Dunleavy said. "They're a great team. The issue is having to face the Heat. We basically dog-trotted down the stretch for March and April.

"We should have never been in the position of having to play the 1 seed. Kind of shame on us. That's the disappointing part of the whole season."

Dunleavy averaged 12.3 points and provided a spark off the bench in 55 games during the lockout-shortened season, then averaged 10.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 75 games during the past season.

Gustavo Ayon Looks Forward To Bucks Exercising Team Option For Next Season

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:58:04 EDT

Despite speculation surrounding his future in the NBA, Gustavo Ayon expects the Milwaukee Bucks to pick up the team option on his contract for next season and is looking forward to returning, his agent Emilio Duran told RealGM.

The Bucks traded for Ayon in the deal that brought them J.J. Redick, and the organization insisted that the Orlando Magic include Ayon. From the start, the Bucks have let Ayon and his agent know that playing time would be scarce this season, but they would prioritize him long-term.

“Gustavo likes Milwaukee, he just really wants to help the team and as far as we’ve been indicated he will be with the Bucks next season,” Duran said. “He wants to keep getting better there and help out.”

Newspapers out of Ayon’s native Mexico have published stories claiming the 6-foot-10 big man is not pleased about his situation with the Bucks and has thought about playing overseas. Still, Duran was adamant Ayon’s supposed quotes were fabricated.

“He didn’t even talk to those papers, so the quotes are totally made up,” Duran said. “I have no doubt in my mind he will play in the NBA next year.”

Ayon, whose team option is worth $1.5 million, has shown flashes of skill and solid rebounding in two NBA seasons. Ayon, 28, has averages of 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 16.7 minutes a game over 109 games, playing just 13 times after being traded to the Bucks in late February.

Jeff Weltman Considered Favorite To Become Suns' GM

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:33:31 EDT

Jeff Weltman is considered by many around the NBA to be the frontrunner to replace Lance Blanks as general manager of the Phoenix Suns.

Weltman is currently assistant general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lon Babby remains president of the Suns.

Ellis Lost Trust For Warriors' Organization Following Mullin's Departure

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:19:38 EDT

Monta Ellis broke his ankle in a moped accident in 2008 shortly after signing a six-year, $66 million contract extension.

Ellis received support from then-general manager Chris Mullin, but the Warriors wanted him to return an additional $500,000 beyond the nearly $3 million he had already agreed to.

The situation revealed the developing rift between Mullin, former owner Chris Cohan and former team president Robert Rowell.

Mullin left the franchise in May of 2009.

"Chris Mullin, he had my back 100 percent," Ellis says. "And they jerked him off. Then when they jerked him off because he was sticking up for me as being a guy who made a mistake or a young man who made a mistake, when they did that to him, I was totally off the organization then. There wasn't nothing I could do then, because who could I trust? The people that I could trust in the organization, you had just sent them away. It was a dark cloud from then on with the owner in that organization there."

The Warriors were eventually sold to a group led by Joe Lacob in 2010. Ellis was traded in a deal for Andrew Bogut at the 2012 deadline.

"The thing is with that, you trade me, you didn't let my agent know that you were going to trade me," he says. "The killing thing about that, I'm in Sacramento, the trade deadline is going on and I talked to them. We talked to them. They said, 'You're not getting traded. You're not going anywhere. Get ready for the game.' I'm cool with that. We were just two games out of the eighth spot for playoffs. We rolling. Everybody's jelling. We good. I get from the hotel to the gym. I'm getting dressed, the next thing you know, it comes on the bottom of the screen. One of my teammates sees it. I say, 'Nah, I ain't getting traded. They said I'm not getting traded.' At the bottom of the screen, it comes across again. I'm fitting to go out there and work out for the game. Then Mark Jackson brings me back, he tells me, 'Well, they didn't want me to tell you, but I'm going to be a man and tell you we traded you.' Those were his exact words."

Lacob was subsequently booed at Mullin's jersey retirement in Oakland during the next week, at least in part because of the unpopular decision to trade Ellis. Other reasons that played a part were the new ownership's clear wishes to relocate to San Francisco, as well as guaranteeing a playoff spot before the start of the season.

"After everything I've done for that organization, playing through injuries, going out there every night, competing every night, leaving everything on the floor, for them to do me the way they did, it stung a little bit," Ellis says of the trade. "At the same time, I put some dirt on it and moved on."

Ellis seems to prefer the culture with the Milwaukee Bucks over the Warriors.

"The difference here?" Ellis says. "You've got guys over here that actually play hard. Over there, guys didn't play hard. They didn't play hard at all. They make it out to seem like 'Monta was the selfish guy. He was always the one complaining.' But if you look at it, I was averaging five or six assists throughout my whole career, top five in steals for at least six of the eight years I've been in the NBA. What more can I do? Everything was pointed at me. Everything was pointed at Monta. But what more you want me to do? You had [me] guarding the best player every night. There's nothing else I can do."

Michael Curry Will Interview For 76ers' Head Coaching Job, Eyes Other Openings

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:45:49 EDT

With the resignation of Doug Collins as Philadelphia 76ers head coach, associate Michael Curry will interview for the franchise's vacancy while eyeing job openings around the NBA, Curry told RealGM on Thursday afternoon.

Curry discussed the 76ers' coaching position with general manager Tony DiLeo on Thursday and will continue his duties into the offseason as part of the staff. DiLeo has already begun compiling a list of candidates and Curry is poised to be among them to receive a formal interview.

Collins, now a special consultant to the 76ers, has always been an advocate of Curry, who served as his lead assistant over the past three seasons. Nevertheless, the possibility exists of the 76ers' ownership clearing out the current staff and bringing in a fresh coach as its first hiring.

After being a finalist for the Orlando Magic's vacancy that went to Jacque Vaughn last offseason, Curry has established himself as a defensive coach who will attract interviews from teams with openings � such as the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers, who fired Byron Scott on Thursday, have made clear their hunt will be predicated on finding a defensive mind with strong schemes. The Milwaukee Bucks could also have an opening this offseason, given Jim Boylan's seemingly tepid status.

In one season as the Detroit Pistons' coach in 2009, Curry went 39-43 and reached the playoffs as the eighth seed before being fired. Since then, he has emerged as an influential voice within the 76ers' staff, and he led more and more huddles in recent years.

"I have grown as a coach since [the Pistons season] and I know that it's not just about Xs and Os; you also have to be a great communicator, good with your dealings," Curry said. "I feel I am there now, and I helped a lot of those young players grow in Detroit and now here in Philadelphia."

Monta Ellis Likely To Opt Out Of Final Year With Bucks

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:52:04 EDT

Monta Ellis will likely invoke the early termination option on his contract and become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Ellis, 27, is on the books for $11 million next season.

Ellis’ scoring has wildly fluctuated this season -- he has shot 41 percent from the floor and 29 percent from three-point range.

Redick Values Winning, Financial Future In Free Agency

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:17:22 EDT

J.J. Redick will be a free agent this summer and he figures to cash in with the market being down.

The Milwaukee Bucks, who acquired Redick from the Orlando Magic in February, have cap space and have told the shooter that they hope to have him over the long-term.

Redick could land a contract worth $8 million annually over four or five years.

"I think for any player sometimes, if the money is so different between offers, you go with the money," Redick said frankly. "You secure you and your family's financial future. But there's other things, for sure."

Redick, headed to the playoffs with the Bucks, wants to win as well.

"Hypothetically, if there were multiple offers, I think you just have to value things out," he said. "You do put a value on winning. You put a value on peace, the situation, the organization, who the coach is, who your teammates are. Then, of course, the money – that's another factor you have to weigh."

Jennings Voices Displeasure After Fourth Quarter Benching

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:30:25 EDT

Brandon Jennings was taken out of the Milwaukee Bucks' game against the Philadelphia 76ers early in the third quarter after Jrue Holiday beat him on a drive to the basket.

Jennings didn't play the rest of the way as the 76ers topped the Bucks 100-92 on Wednesday night. He was held scoreless for the first time in his NBA career, going 0-for-3 in 17 minutes.

"This is the third time I've been benched in the second half and it hasn't been under (former coach Scott) Skiles," Jennings said after the game. "You always want to be out there to help your team.

"I don't see any all-stars in this locker room so I think everybody should be held accountable, like anybody else. There's no maxed-out players in this locker room; there's no all-stars. So don't try to put me on a pedestal and just give everybody else the freedom to do whatever they want."

Jennings added that he feels as though he's being singled out.

"Of course," he said. "This is the third time this has happened. We had a sluggish start but we still had a chance to win it. It was there for us to take."

The Bucks host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.

"It's up to him whether he's going to put me in the game or not," Jennings said, referring to coach Jim Boylan. "Just go with the flow."

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Thu, 23 May 2013 12:17:02 EDT

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