According to a source briefed on the negotiations between Larry Brown and the Detroit Pistons, the parties are getting closer to finalizing a buyout. "It is believed," reports Liz Robbins, "that an agreement would enable Brown to become a coaching free agent and leave on mutually agreeable terms."
Former Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders is the top candidate to take over for Brown in Detroit.
While Brown is likely to want to coach in New York, he probably will not do so until the 2006-2007 season. In the meantime, the Knicks would sign Herb Williams as head coach and could bring Brown aboard as a consultant while he fully recovers from bladder complications that resulted from hip replacement surgery.
"If there is a parting of the ways, Larry will be afforded his rightful dues," said Joe Glass, Brown's agent. "Nothing conclusive has been decided. I had discussions today with the Pistons and I will continue to do so tomorrow. I hope everybody fully understands that Larry Brown is not quitting. He is fully in control of the same statement he has always had, that he is ready to come back to as coach of the Pistons."
In another report, Marc Stein of ESPNEWS says that if Larry Brown is free to take the Knicks' head coaching position, he will jump at the challenge. But Stein also notes that Brown's health problems could still be an issue.
Isiah Thomas has been delaying hiring a head coach while he waits for the former Pistons coach to resolve his status in Detroit.