Mike D'Antoni will not be on the Houston Rockets sideline for the 2020-21 NBA season.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported that D'Antoni informed Houston's ownership that he intends on becoming a free agent, meaning his time as the franchise's head coach has come to an end.
ESPN Sources: Houston coach Mike D’Antoni is informing the franchise’s ownership today that he’s becoming a free agent and won’t return to the Rockets next season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2020
The decision comes less than a day after the Rockets saw their season conclude following a Game 5 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals.
In a statement shared with ESPN, D'Antoni began by stating that "It's with tremendous sadness and gratitude that my wife Laurel and I announce that our incredible journey in Houston has ended for now and that we'll be moving to a new chapter."
Mike and Laurel D’Antoni statement to ESPN on departure from Rockets pic.twitter.com/XypyT8bgC0
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2020
Later, Rockets owner Tillman Fertita issued a statement, thanking D'Antoni and his wife for their time as part of the organization.
A statement from Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta. pic.twitter.com/hxlq0ZxoRS
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) September 13, 2020
Wojnarowski added that D'Antoni will be considered for the Philadelphia 76ers coaching vacancy. He served as associate head coach in Philadelphia during the 2015-16 NBA season.
D'Antoni was hired as the Rockets head coach on June 1, 2016. In four seasons at the helm, D'Antoni amassed a regular-season record of 217-101 (.682), leading the Rockets to the postseason in all four seasons. The 2017-18 season was the most successful of D'Antoni's tenure, as he led Houston to a 65-17 record and the West's No. 1 seed.
In the 2018 Playoffs, the Rockets advanced to the Western Conference Finals where they fell one win shy of advancing to the NBA Finals.
Check back for more updates on D'Antoni's situation as well as the ever-evolving NBA coaching picture.
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