Memphis Grizzlies Reportedly Contacted George Karl About Coaching Position

After his surprising, contentious exit from the Denver Nuggets, it didn’t take long for rival NBA teams to reach out to George Karl. USA Today reports that the Memphis Grizzlies have already chatted with Karl about possibly taking over for Lionel Hollins: “According to a person with knowledge of the talks, the Memphis Grizzlies spoke with Karl almost immediately after he was let go about the possibility that he would replace Lionel Hollins. Hollins’ contract expires this month, and it appears likely he won’t return. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the talks. The Grizzlies have told Hollins that he can speak with other teams and were honing in on Memphis assistant Dave Joerger as the top candidate to replace him, but their decision to wait before making that move was tied to the chance that Karl could become available. Grizzlies vice president of basketball operations Stu Lash was with Karl in Denver and holds him in the highest regard. […] Thursday, Karl tweeted: ‘I want to thank Nuggets fans for their support over the past 8 yrs. The karma on the street was incredible. Denver will always be home … It’s a sad day for me, my staff and my family. Difficult decision to understand but memories with the Nuggets are the best I’ve ever had.’ The Clippers were already interested in Karl and are planning to pursue him now that he is available. Denver will focus on Hollins or Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw as possible replacements.”