Lionel Collins quickly becomes the hottest coaching free-agent in the NBA.
Negotiations between the Memphis Grizzlies and their coach Lionel Hollins have broken down, with the team giving him permission to speak to other teams.
With his current contract running out at the end of the month, the issue is set to move along quickly as both the Los Angeles Clipper and Brooklyn Nets circle.
Hollins’ stock has never been higher than it is currently having taken the Grizzlies to the Western Conference finals, before being swept by the San Antonino Spurs.
Despite their sudden exit from the post season, Hollins has shown an ability to get the most out of mercurial talents such as Marc Gasol and Zac Randolph.
After finishing with a 13-26 record when he took over the team in the 2008-2009 season, Hollins has improved their winning percentage every year.
Both Hollins and the front office had expressed their desire to hash out a new deal but negations quickly broke down.
If Hollins does leave Memphis it is unclear what impact it will have on the team next season given several important players said they wanted to stay under his guidance.
“I know that he’s fought for me in every situation that he’s had to. I can’t even put enough words in the sentences to say how much it means to me,” Point guard Mike Conley said.
“Now I’m trying to go to bat for him, try and keep him here.”
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