The team packed the next morning before the afternoon flight that would take them back to Houston. All morning, D’Antoni was expecting a call from Fertitta, but sources say it never came. Before getting onto the plane, sources say D’Antoni’s mind was made up that he wouldn’t be seeking another contract with the Rockets — short or long-term —and would prefer to test the open market. D’Antoni then called LeGarie, sources said, and let him know of his wishes. D’Antoni told LeGarie to deliver the message while the team plane was in the air, sources said.
During the plane ride back to Houston, no one on the team knew D’Antoni’s mind had already been made up. Shortly before the plane landed in Houston, just before service began to return to everyone’s phones and the text/social media notifications would start to ding with the news, D’Antoni told Morey, his staff and the players about his decision. D’Antoni wanted to speak with Morey first and foremost, as the two had maintained a strong relationship. Morey was upset, sources say, but understood and respected D’Antoni’s decision. A relieved D’Antoni stood up, shook hands and hugged each member of the team that was on the plane.
