Celtics won't let Nets talk to Rivers
The Boston Celtics will not grant the Brooklyn Nets permission to speak to Doc Rivers about their vacant head coaching job.
ESPN Boston reported that Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge will not allow the Nets to speak to Rivers, who is under contract with the Celtics.
Ainge would not comment on the report and said he expects Rivers to return to the Celtics as coach next season.
"Doc has told me he's coming back," Ainge said. "I talk to him almost every day about our team and what we are going to do moving forward."
The Celtics are reportedly looking to rebuild but that does not include letting Rivers go. Ray Allen left for the Miami Heat last season and the Celtics may look to trade Paul Pierce.
Phil Jackson and Lionel Hollins have been mentioned as candidates to coach the Nets, who fired P.J. Carlesimo after they were eliminated from the playoffs.
