New York minute

More on Brown: Pistons' buyout

Larry Brown's departure from the Detroit Pistons' organization should not be considered a surprise, given the nomadic coach's history of brief but successful coaching stints. In two seasons, Brown brilliantly led the Pistons to back-to-back Finals appearances, the first of which resulted in the franchise's third NBA championship.

But when Brown allowed himself to be romanced by the Cleveland Cavaliers – who wanted to hire him as team president – during the Pistons' playoff run, he probably sealed his own fate. The team's management understandably was upset, and owner Bill Davidson was furious for what he perceived as a lack of loyalty from Brown as Detroit was attempting to win another title.

Brown's health situation complicated matters, as he was unsure if he would be physically capable of coaching next season without a successful return from bladder surgery. That is one of the reasons why he was interested in the Cleveland position – he would have been able to do his job while on the mend.

But with the Cavaliers unwilling to wait on Brown, who wouldn't make a commitment to Cleveland while coaching the Pistons, owner Dan Gilbert hired Spurs executive Danny Ferry to be the Cavs' general manager, promising Ferry full control over the team's operations. That apparently took Brown out of the picture in Cleveland, although he still could be hired in some capacity. Still, one would assume that the job wouldn't be nearly as attractive to Brown if he doesn't have decision-making powers over personnel.

As the Cleveland situation slipped away from Brown, the Pistons were not exactly hoping for reconciliation. In Davidson's eyes, the damage had been done and it was time to move ahead without Brown. But with three years remaining on the coach's guaranteed contract, the Pistons weren't about to fire him and be on the hook for $18 million. So they soon will reach an agreement on a buyout and part ways.

The result is that Brown is now without a job, and the Pistons are without a coach. The leading candidate would appear to be Flip Saunders, who has waited through several coaching hires this summer in anticipation of landing the Pistons' job. Saunders makes a lot of sense for Detroit – he's experienced and doesn't need grooming, which is perfect for a team primed to compete for another championship next season.

As for Brown, he no doubt will be receiving a call from Isiah Thomas.

Brown called the New York Knicks' coaching position his "dream job" earlier this season, and if his health cooperates, he'd be the perfect fit for a team trying to find its way. Brown specializes in reclamation projects, and his presence on the sideline would bring some much-needed excitement to Madison Square Garden.

Brown's wife, Shelly, recently told New York reporters that her husband would not be coaching the Knicks next season. But with the Pistons' job now behind him, Brown – if his buyout with Detroit allows him to coach another team next season – will have a difficult time turning down a position that will almost certainly be offered to him.

If his health and the Pistons allow it, I would expect Brown to be patrolling the sidelines in the Big Apple next season.