According to multiple reports, George Karl is nearing an agreement with the Sacramento Kings to become the new head coach of the team.
Earlier today, Sam Amick of USA Today broke the news that Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé had given general manager Pete D’Alessandro the green light to finalize a deal with Karl, who currently ranks sixth all-time in career wins.
Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski has Karl set to sign a four-year contract between $4-5 million annually, with the last year a team option for the 2017-18 season. Amick has the figure pegged at $5 million per season with more fine print still to be worked out.
Barring a setback in negotiations, Karl is expected to take over the club during the eight day lay-off for the NBA All-Star game. As for current head coach Tyrone Corbin, he is expected to remain in his role with the Kings for two more games as they travel to play the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday and the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
If hired, Karl would bring a wealth of basketball knowledge and credible experience to the struggling Kings. The 63-year-old previously coached the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Seattle Sonics, Bucks and Denver Nuggets, and has amassed a regular season record of 1,131-756. Karl has made the playoffs 22 times in 25 campaigns as an NBA head coach and was the NBA’s Coach of the Year following the 2012-13 season.
Earlier reports on Saturday suggested a deal between Karl and the Kings was on hold due to concerns with DeMarcus Cousins’ representatives and possibly members of Sacramento ownership. But those issues have apparently been worked out. According to reports, Cousins’ camp needed an elaboration on the front office’s long-term strategy, while ownership has given general manager Pete D’Alessandro their blessings to move ahead.
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