As a young coach Scott Brooks did an amazing job with his young Thunder team. Â They managed to reach the Western Conference Finals and then the NBA Finals in a short period of time. Â Despite that there’s a small possibility that he and the team will part ways. Â Read more after the jump.
Talks between Scott Brooks and the Thunder organization have been slow-moving as they’re still not close to an agreement. Â Though the Thunder have offered Brooks a salary around $4 million a year the issue is the length of the contract. Â Scott Brooks wants a four-year extension while the Thunder prefer a two or three-year deal.
The reality is that Brooks and his bosses, after months of talks, don’t have a deal … and time is running out. And sources say that the Thunder, just to be safe, have started brainstorming in-house about whom they plan to pursue should negotiations with Brooks collapse. Two names, according to sources, that have come up in those discussions: ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy and, yes, 11-ringed coaching free agent Phil Jackson.
Of course Phil Jackson’s name is brought up with his undeniable experience and championship winning knowledge. Â Scott Brooks was unable to make adjustments and had questionable lineups during the playoffs that point to his inexperience. Â Despite that the general feeling is that the Thunder and Brooks will come to a mutual agreement eventually as they should.
