D’Antoni Interested In Bulls’ Coaching Job?

As the saying goes, it takes two to tango. According to sources and as reported by K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, current (though not for long) Phoenix Suns coach Mike D’Antoni has told Chicago Bulls general manager John Paxson that he is interested in the team’s vacant coaching position; the question remains whether Paxson shares the same feeling. But Paxson has pretty much stayed the course in the search for the Bulls’ next coach as he had also interviewed Denver Nuggets assistant coach Mike Dunlap as well - all within the past 24 hours.

D’Antoni still has 2 years and $8.5 million remaining on his current contract; Suns GM Steve Kerr had initially balked at allowing D’Antoni to talk to other teams; all of a sudden, Kerr is allowing D’Antoni to talk to other NBA teams - namely the Bulls and the New York Knicks. If you initially try to link D’Antoni’s style of coaching to what the Bulls’ roster looks like, one would think that it wouldn’t mesh; D’Antoni is offensive-minded (think George Karl) in his philosophy. Paxson, on the other hand, is more into defense and accountability across the board. You can bet that Paxson will get tons of feedback from Kerr about D’Antoni. Also consider that D’Antoni’s price will not come cheap; as it were, the Bulls still owe ex-coach Scott Skiles a substantial amount of money. But at the same time, D’Antoni is looking for a deal that at the very least equals what he is making in Phoenix - $4.25 million a year.

No matter where D’Antoni ends up, it is likely that he will take some assistants with him. Suns assistant Phil Webber is almost a lock to accompany D’Antoni, as is D’Antoni’s younger brother and Suns assistant coach Dan D’Antoni. Things are heating up in Phoenix - literally and figuratively - and will get more interesting by the day; stay tuned to Slam Dunk Central for more developments on the D’Antoni situation.