The Memphis Grizzlies wasted no time reaching out to George Karl, suddenly unemployed after being let go by the Denver Nuggets earlier Thursday morning, according to Sam Amick of USA TODAY:
According to a person with knowledge of the talks, the Memphis Grizzlies spoke with Karl almost immediately after he was let go about the possibility that he would replace Lionel Hollins.
Hollins' contract expires this month and it appears likely he won't return. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the talks.
Contract talks have stalled between Hollins and the Grizzlies, and the team has already granted him permission to speak with other teams. Hollins has interviewed with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, and ironically enough, he's already been linked with the Nuggets.
As Amick notes, Karl has a connection with the Grizzlies' front office: Stu Lash, the team's vice president of basketball operations, spent five years in various front office and scouting roles with the Nuggets. That said, Karl will likely have plenty of options. His teams have missed the playoffs just once since 1988, and he hasn't suffered a losing season since '98.