UConn is in talks with coach Kevin Ollie about a significant raise and extension, a source close to the situation confirmed to SNY.tv Friday evening.
The source said UConn was looking to pay Ollie $2.6 million annually as “the floor” in a deal that could last five years.
That could make Ollie, fresh off an NCAA championship win last month, the highest paid coach in the American Athletic Conference.
“He had to be the top guy in the league,” the source said.
Ollie reportedly earned $1.25 million last season and in December 2012 signed a five-year deal worth $7.5 million.
The Lakers are reportedly interested in Ollie to replace the resigned Mike D’Antoni.
“I think the reports that he would listen are very accurate,” the source said. “But I think it would have to be a number that wowed him. I don’t think he’s going to leave for the Lakers job for $1 million more.”
Ollie has also been linked to the Oklahoma City Thunder job if they lose Game 7 to the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday and coach Scott Brooks is let go.
Ollie played for the Thunder and is highly respected by star Kevin Durant.
“I think for the Thunder he’s more comfortable there,” the source said. “Maybe it’s not the same number…I think the Thunder thing would be very attractive to him.”
Whatever happens, the source said, Ollie now has more power and influence going forward at UConn.
“He’s an NBA guy, but a national championship does change your stature,” the source said. “It makes staying in college a lot more attractive.”
UConn loses Shabazz Napier and DeAndre Daniels to the NBA Draft, but returns Ryan Boatright and New York guards Omar Calhoun and Terrence Samuel. They add junior college guard Sam Cassell Jr., N.C. State transfer Rodney Purvis and California wing Daniel Hamilton.
“By doing what he did, he made his current job a lot more attractive,” the source said of winning an NCAA championship. “He has more clout, he has more ability to get things done. He’s got more power….I know he will listen [to NBA jobs]. Obviously, there’s a number he would leave for.”
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