It will be Avery Johnson for the Nets.
Johnson himself ended a rather strange afternoon of yes, definitely, maybe when he told ESPN, where he works as an analyst that, “Yes, I am coming to New Jersey” to coach the Nets.
Representatives for Johnson confirmed they had begun negotiations with the Nets and final details of the contract were being worked out.
Johnson said he hoped a formal announcement could come as soon as Thursday.
One source earlier maintained he “would be shocked” if the move were put off longer than 48 hours.
Johnson had an NBA record .735 winning percentage with the Mavericks in three-plus seasons that included a trip to the 2006 NBA Finals, where Dallas lost to Miami.
He was fired after a first-round playoff series loss to New Orleans in 2008.
Johnson was the front-runner in the Nets search for some time, and though he has a reputation for being a perfectionist, many stress the positives in that.
“I think he’ll do a good job, especially with a young team. He’s a teacher, motivator and basically, he’s fresh blood,” said Celtics reserve Michael Finley, who played for Johnson in Dallas. “That’s what you need in a situation like that and I think he’ll do the job.”
Johnson’s representatives were in the New York-New Jersey area Monday, presumably putting the deal together with Nets president Rod Thorn.
Johnson and Thorn met last week and there had been phone conversations since.
Johnson will replace interim coach Kiki Vandeweghe, who replaced Lawrence Frank after an 0-16 start to the Nets’ 12-70 season.