Doc Rivers is expected to begin discussions soon on a new contract with the Los Angeles Clippers' new owner, Steve Ballmer, according to sources.

Ballmer and Rivers had been eager to forge a long-term partnership.

Ballmer gained official ownership status of the Clippers on Tuesday.

Rivers, 52, the president of basketball operations and head coach, has two years left on his original three-year, $21 million contract. Rivers is already one of the highest-paid executives and coaches in professional sports.

The Clipeprs won 57 games last season in Rivers' first year and went to the Western Conference semifinals.