According to Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN, Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni has informed the team that he won’t return and will become a free agent.
ESPN Sources: Houston coach Mike D’Antoni is informing the franchise’s ownership today that he’s becoming a free agent and won’t return to the Rockets next season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2020
D’Antoni also released a statement thanking the Houston community and the owner of the team Tilman Fertitta, as well as the players. Following comes from the statement:
“I can’t thank enough the entire Fertitta family, Daryl Morey. the staff, and the incredible and dedicates players I’ve been privileged to coach. The Rockets are a historic NBA franchise with fantastic fans and we’ve been proud to join with you to play a part in some of the successes here in Houston.”
Jeff Van Gundy was reported earlier to be in the Rockets’ options to replace D’Antoni and Chris Haynes from Yahoo Sports reported that the team will give a look at former Cleveland Cavaliers coach and current Los Angeles Clippers assistant Tyron Lue.
With a head coaching vacancy in Houston, expect the franchise to take a strong look at Los Angeles Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 13, 2020
D’Antoni took the head coaching job with the Rockets in 2016 and in the four seasons with the team hold a 217-101 record in the regular season. In the postseason, he reached the Conference Semifinals on three occasions and lost in Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors in the Conference Finals.
Most recently, the team lost against the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.
