D'Antoni accepts Knicks' offer

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More than a week after it became clear that a return to the Suns was unpalatable, following a meeting with Phoenix general manager Steve Kerr and owner Robert Sarver, D’Antoni agreed to a four-year, $24 million deal to help revive the league’s flagship franchise.

The Knicks confirmed the signing via statement early Saturday evening. A news conference is expected by midweek.

D’Antoni choice came down to the Knicks and Bulls. NBA sources told the Tribune that the final decision hinged not only on the lucrative salary, but on the chance to work closely with team president Donnie Walsh and rebuild a team that will accommodate his philosophy and style.

Sarver wouldn’t confirm D’Antoni’s official departure from Phoenix, but admitted to the Associated Press that when “Mike called me (Saturday) morning to thank me, I figured this was up.”

In agreeing to become the Knicks sixth head coach since the 2002-03 season, D’Antoni — who turned 57 this week — jumps from a tie for the 22nd highest annual coaching salary in the NBA to No. 3 behind only Phil Jackson of the Lakers ($10.3 million annually) and Gregg Popovich of the Spurs ($7 million base salary for his multiple duties with the Spurs).

New York was leaning toward hiring ex-Knick Mark Jackson until word leaked late in the Phoenix-San Antonio series that D’Antoni might soon be on the market.

Walsh was impressed with D’Antoni’s success and philosophy in the Italian League enough to try to lure him to Indiana as an assistant coach in 2000. D’Antoni’s success in Phoenix only cemented those feelings.

Sources close to the talks said there was an immediate connection with Walsh when the two met on Monday — and he assured D’Antoni that:

• The current Knicks roster would be revamped.

• Miracles weren’t expected overnight.

• The Knicks would be happy with a style that produced an average of 58 wins a season, two conference final appearances and about 110 points per night over four seasons.

The Knicks have yet to hire a general manager. There is no word on whether D’Antoni will have input on that selection.

D’Antoni met with Kerr and Sarver on May 2 — continuing discussions that began in the wee hours of April 30 at US Airways Center after the Suns were eliminated from the playoffs by San Antonio.

At that meeting, the sides discussed “suggestions” about how to improve the team, including the hiring of a defensive-minded assistant coach, obtaining a backup point guard who would ease Steve Nash’s minutes, devoting 20-30 minutes of practice time each day specifically to defensive principles, and holding some of Phoenix’s younger players (Leandro Barbosa, Boris Diaw and Amaré Stoudemire) more accountable for their mistakes on the floor.

A day later, D’Antoni asked for permission to speak with other teams. Sources said that decision was made not because D’Antoni couldn’t live with those changes, but because his relationship with Kerr was untenable.

D’Antoni’s decision to grab the Knicks left the Bulls flat-footed and upset. After a Friday night face-to-face meeting between D’Antoni and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf appeared to go well — the two own homes about 200 yards from each other in Scottsdale — Bulls GM John Paxson told the Chicago Sun-Times that he was prepared to present an offer Saturday, only to find out from D’Antoni’s agent, Warren LeGarie, that a deal with the Knicks was done.

“(Saturday) morning Jerry and I spoke and agreed that Mike was a good fit,” Paxson said. “Jerry wanted to meet with Mike again and talk about a deal. Unfortunately, we were never given an opportunity to make an offer of any kind which is the most disappointing thing in all of this right now.

“I thought it would have been fair to listen to what we had to say.”

The Suns will not have to pay D’Antoni any of the $8.5 million remaining on his contract and will now focus on finding his replacement.