Report: Willie Green nears deal to become next Pelicans head coach

Phoenix Suns assistant Willie Green emerged as the strong front-runner for the head coach opening in New Orleans, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday evening.

Phoenix Suns assistant Willie Green has emerged as the strong frontrunner and the New Orleans Pelicans’ choice to become the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 12, 2021

Now he is nearing a deal to lead the Pels next season, ESPN’s Andrew Lopez reported Wednesday night.

Sources w/ @wojespn: The New Orleans Pelicans and Willie Green are nearing completion on a deal that will make him the team’s next head coach.

The deal is expected to be finalized this week.

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) July 15, 2021

A 12-year NBA veteran who played one season with New Orleans (2010-11), Green has been an assistant under former Pelicans head coach Monty Williams with the Suns for the past two seasons.

The 39-year old Green also served as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors during their 2017 and 2018 World Championship seasons.