By all indications it does appear the Mavs will hire Rick Carlisle soon. He's had two interviews, meeting with Donnie Nelson and Mark Cuban, plus one report said he also met with Dirk Nowitzki. Figure if Dirk gives the thumbs-up then everybody's happy.
When will it happen? Not sure. Peter Vecsey of the NY Post reported on Saturday that the two parties had already come to terms. Nelson disputed that, but it does appear that negotiations are underway, if not well underway. This could happen in the next few days, perhaps Monday, although that has not been confirmed.
Cuban apparently doesn't want to wait to see if Flip Saunders exits Detroit -- of course, they're on their way toward a long playoff march -- or Mike D'Antoni leaves Phoenix or if Washington decides to let go Eddie Jordan. If the Mavs wait too long on any of those head coaches, they might lose Carlisle in the process.
-- Jeff Caplan
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