Report: Joerger spurns Timberwolves, decides to stay as Grizzlies head coach
It looks like Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger will stay on as head coach in Memphis after all.
@JohnnyNBA I think Dave is a great coach. But, personnel has to want to be in Memphis. I know now Dave 100% wants to be here
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 25, 2014
Whoa: Dave Joerger, per source, has declined the Timberwolves' offer and will remain coach in Memphis.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) May 25, 2014
The report was also confirmed by a separate report from Sam Amick of USA Today.
Joerger had met with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday regarding their head coaching vacancy. According to a report from the Associated Press, the 'Wolves offered Joerger the position, and the decision on whether to move was his alone.
There seem to be two stories being told. David Aldridge of TNT and Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports reported that Grizzlies management spoke with Joerger last night, and convinced him to stay in Memphis. This was later confirmed by Pera.
@RaganSmash YES! And contrary to reports, I never had a conversation with Minnesota..it never got that far
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 25, 2014
@thesulton25 I never really talked 1:1 with Joerger before this weekend. I think he's a great coach.
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 25, 2014
Is there was any way Timberwolves could get back in mix for Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger? Agent Warren LeGarie said: "No, he's in Memphis."
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) May 25, 2014
However, according to Marc Stein of ESPN, the dispute came about over compensation. The Grizzlies were reportedly seeking reprimands for allowing Joerger to swap teams, and the price (a second round draft pick) was too high for the Timberwolves' liking.
ESPN sources say Wolves and Grizz have hit impasse over compensation, prompting Joerger to tell Memphis he's staying
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 25, 2014
Wolves feel as though they don't want to pay any compensation for a coach they know Grizz don't want to keep. Matter now of who yields
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 25, 2014
Also, Stein says that Joerger is still looking to join the Timberwolves somehow, which conflicts with Aldridge's earlier report.
Joerger still wants to go to Minnesota. Grizzlies insisting they won't fire him. Who blinks? Do Wolves ultimately surrender second-rounder?
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 25, 2014
Last season, Joerger led the Grizzlies to the playoffs, winning 50 games in the regular season. Memphis was eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round in seven games.
The Grizzlies have undergone significant changes in the front-office this offseason, as a year-long dispute between ownership and management led to the dismissal of former CEO Jason Levien and assistant general manager Stu Lash.