The innovative coach Mike D?Antoni and the Phoenix Suns appear to be moving toward a swift divorce, and it could be only a matter of days before he lands in New York or Chicago.

Mike D?Antoni made the Suns into a Western Conference power with a run-and-gun offense.

In response to reports in the news media, the Suns confirmed Monday that D?Antoni had permission to speak with other teams, a reversal of the position the team took publicly last week. Sports Illustrated reported on its Web site that D?Antoni had already met with one team Sunday and was meeting with a second team Monday. Those teams were believed to be the Bulls and the Knicks.

?As we have continued to convey, we value Mike D?Antoni as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns and would like him to continue leading this basketball team,? Steve Kerr, the Suns? general manager, said in a statement. ?Because he has requested to speak to other teams about their head-coaching vacancies, we have granted him permission. We will have no further comment until this process further evolves.?