NBA | Suns give coach OK to talk to teams

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns granted permission for coach Mike D'Antoni to talk to other teams, with the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks apparently the leading suitors.

General manager Steve Kerr confirmed Monday that D'Antoni can speak with other NBA teams about coaching vacancies but indicated he still wants to persuade the coach to stay with the Suns.

"As we continue 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," Kerr said in a statement issued by the team. "Because he has requested to speak to other teams about their head-coaching vacancies, we have granted him permission."

Kerr said he would have no further comment "until this process further evolves."

D'Antoni declined to comment.

SI.com's Jack McCallum, who spent an entire season with the Suns while writing a book on them, reported Monday that the Bulls general manager John Paxson and Knicks president Donnie Walsh were flying to Phoenix to interview D'Antoni. Knicks' spokesman Jonathan Supranowitz said the team is not commenting on its coaching search. Paxson had no comment.

The coach met Friday with Kerr and team owner Robert Sarver for two hours and there reportedly were more conversations over the weekend.

D'Antoni, who has two years worth $8.5 million remaining on his contract, has led the Suns to three Pacific Division titles and two trips to the Western Conference finals in his four full seasons as coach. He has compiled a 232-96 record, including 55-27 last season. But Phoenix has lost three times in the playoffs to San Antonio.

Billups honored

for sportsmanship

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chauncey Billups was presented with the NBA's Walter J. Kennedy sportsmanship award Monday night before Detroit's playoff game against the Orlando Magic.

The award, which is voted on by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, is given to a player or coach who shows "outstanding service and dedication to the community."

Notes

• Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker was in the stands in New Orleans, and Hall of Fame rocker Bob Seger, who turns 63 today attended in Detroit.

• New Orleans announced the attendance at 17,927, the Hornets' 11th straight sellout.