Rivers has also been contacted by the New Orleans Pelicans. However, sources say he appears to be happy living in Southern California. The Clippers also have to pay him for the remaining years of his contract. So he could opt to sit out next season with the uncertainty of the schedule.
More on Doc Rivers Free Agency
If that’s the case, the Sixers must ask themselves whether waiting for him is worth possibly losing out on D’Antoni or Lue. Before Rivers was fired, a source said the team would prefer to name a coach this week.
According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, talk about Rivers possibly being removed started soon after the loss to Denver. Sources close to the Clippers said that owner Steve Ballmer was understandably furious at the embarrassing finish, but making matters worse was the fact that it was a troubling trend for Rivers, [who has blown three separate 3-1 series leads in his career].
John Hollinger: Losing in the second round was unacceptable for the win-now Clippers, but this is shocking. Insiders felt there was no way it would really happen, and the timing (nearly two weeks after elimination) is odd. Rivers is a top-five coach and immediately becomes a top candidate for any and all openings. Meanwhile, the question is whether the Clippers had already lined up a replacement, and if so, whom.
Marc J. Spears: New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers have already reached out to former Clippers head coach Doc Rivers in regards to their head coach openings, sources told @TheUndefeated.
Mirjam Swanson: Official announcement from the team: “Doc Rivers Departs” pic.twitter.com/D9lFfaC1T3
