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The gap between the Rockets and coach Mike D'Antoni in talks on a contract extension seems much larger than the one described Thursday or could be filled.
The contract offer made to Dr. Antoni was significantly lower than the $ 5 million described by owner Tilman Fertitta and general manager Daryl Morey at a hastily held press conference Thursday, according to the agent D'Antoni, which led to the decision to transform it. Low and coach the next season in the final year of his current contract, which pays $ 4.5 million.
Warren LeGarie said the Rockets bid would not be worth $ 5 million for the 2020-2021 season if the Rockets failed to enter the playoffs or if D'Antoni was fired during the season.
"I would like to erase some inaccuracies that have been reported about the offer made to Mike," said LeGarie. "The $ 5 million reported is really $ 2.5 million because it has unforeseen circumstances. First, it's only $ 5 million if he plays in the playoffs and twice, if he coaches the team at the end of the year.
"If they decide to send Mike back in a proverbial change of direction, he will receive $ 2.5 million. If there is an injury or a change in the construction of the list, of which Mike has no control, he will nevertheless become a victim. "
Morey confirmed the description of the offer by LeGarie, but also refused to comment on the negotiations.
LeGarie also said the $ 1 million bonus for each round of the playoffs reached by the Rockets during this season would start with the second round.
The Rockets base salary offer, even though it is valued at $ 5 million, is a far cry from recent deals with experienced coaches such as Terry Stotts or Dwane Casey. If it is considered $ 2.5 million, it is lower than the salaries of recent first year coaches, Nick Nurse or James Borrego, but with a chance to earn more.
LeGarie stressed that D'Antoni was by no means "insulted" by this offer.
"We are not here to criticize the offer," said LeGarie. "We are here to choose whether to accept it or not. We chose the current market for coaches of his size and what he did for the Rockets. The offer does not make sense to him, although I'm sure it makes sense for the Rockets. We do not consider this offer insulting. It's always real money. But we have the right not to take it.
Assuming negotiations with D'Antoni do not resume, the Rockets would begin talks to re-equip the coaching staff, starting with the search for an assistant head coach to succeed Jeff Bzdelik. With D'Antoni in the last season of his contract, some coaches might be reluctant to move on, even with a promotion, while he was under contract, but Morey said he was confident that the vacancies would spark a interest.
Asked specifically about Elston Turner, a well-respected former Rockets assistant in the league, whom the Rockets interviewed for the head coach's post after Rick Adelman returned in 2011, LeGarie said it would be premature to speculate whether it would be a good fit. Turner was recently the assistant head coach of Dave Joerger's team with the Sacramento Kings.
"There was no discussion, if not, they appreciate me," said LeGarie, who represents Turner.
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