New York (AP) -- Mike D'Antoni is set to become coach of the New York Knicks, bringing his entertaining offensive style from the Phoenix Suns to a team coming off one of the worst seasons in its history.
A person within the NBA told The Associated Press on Saturday that the Suns coach has accepted an offer from the Knicks. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement had been made.
D'Antoni had two years left of his contract. Suns owner Robert Sarver wouldn't confirm that D'Antoni had taken the New York job, but said, ``Mike called me this morning to thank me, so I figured this was up.''
The Knicks said they would not comment. A message was left with D'Antoni's agent, Warren LeGarie.
D'Antoni led the Suns to a 55-27 record last season and was coach of the year in 2005. He replaces Isiah Thomas, who was fired in April after the Knicks went 23-59, tying the franchise record for losses in a season.
D'Antoni had a 232-96 regular-season record the past four years, but the Suns were eliminated in the first round by San Antonio last month. The Suns then gave D'Antoni permission to speak to other teams about openings, but hoped he would remain with them.
Instead, he becomes the Knicks' sixth different coach since the start of the 2002-03 season
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