Sources claim that the deal is worth $29 Million plus incentives.
The Pacers announced Carlisle’s hiring on Thursday afternoon, but didn’t disclose the terms of his contract.
Carlisle was Dallas’ winningest coach for 13 seasons, with a record of 555-478 and leading the Mavs’ to their only championship in 2010-11. He resigned one day after the franchise parted with Donnie Nelson, the long-serving president of basketball operations. However, Carlisle stated that the Dallas front-office changes had no bearing on his decision.
Carlisle stated Thursday that he didn’t want to reach a point where he felt like he was overstaying his welcome. “I have great respect for Mark Cuban, the Mavericks owner, and all those there. I am fortunate to be able to move on to a great opportunity.”
Cuban stated that he will hire a new head for basketball operations to replace Carlisle. Dirk Nowitzki, a Mavericks legend, has returned as a special advisor to Cuban.
Michael Finley, Nowitzki’s former teammate, and the franchise’s current executive vice president for basketball operations, is one of the candidates being considered for Nelson’s replacement. Sources say Finley, Nowitzki and a small group of trusted Mavs employees met with Cuban to discuss the possibility of a coaching job.
Jamahl Mosley is the assistant coach of Mavs, and has a strong relationship with Luka Docic. He is expected to be one of the candidates in Dallas’ coaching search.
Carlisle offered his strong endorsement to Kidd on Thursday. Carlisle was a Dallas coach for four seasons, highlighted by the Mavs’ championship run.
Carlisle stated that Jason Kidd is his hope to become the next coach of Mavs. “Luka and Jason have so many similarities as players,” Carlisle added. It would be a wonderful situation for Luka and Jason. I am the only person who has ever coached both of these guys and knows all about their unique qualities as basketball players. That would make a wonderful marriage to me, but that’s my opinion.
Carlisle was previously the Pacers’ coach for four seasons from 2003-04 to 2006-07. He had a record of 181-147 and made the playoffs three times. This included an appearance in the Eastern Conference finals in 2003-04. He was also a top assistant to Larry Bird for three seasons (1997-1998 to 1999-2000).
Carlisle will be returning to Indiana as the Pacers’ coach. He was fired after only one season. Indiana finished last season at 34-38. The team suffered several injuries and Bjorkgren clashed frequently with its core players. The Pacers were eliminated from the tournament in the play-in, ending the franchise’s five-year streak of consecutive playoff appearances. Carlisle mentioned his trust in Herb Simon, the team owner, as one reason he found Indiana’s job attractive.
Carlisle, 61 years old, said that it was an exciting situation as there is upside. He has a career record 836-689 and ranks 15th in career wins. “Getting back to health is going to be an important part of that.
“General manager Kevin Pritchard and I have spoken extensively about the roster. Their roster is great. They are a group of talented, selfless guys who work hard. Although it’s possible for moves to be made before the season begins, Kevin and I both are very excited about the team’s health and the potential of what the team can achieve.”
Pritchard stated that Carlisle was a “proven winner with a championship” and would be a Hall of Fame coach in a statement announcing Carlisle’s hiring.
He has shown throughout his career a remarkable ability to create something that is sustainable. He is very respectful of our franchise and our fans, from his time here. Pritchard stated that we are thrilled to have him back in Indiana.
Since winning the title a decade back, the Mavs have never advanced beyond the first round. They had been through a rebuilding process over that time. After winning the first two series games on the road, the Mavs were eliminated by the LA Clippers. They lost seven of their last two seasons.
Cuban stated to ESPN that he wouldn’t consider coaching a change in the wake of the Mavs’ defeat.
Cuban stated that “unless you have someone you can trust, the grass is seldom greener on the other side.”
Sources said that Doncic and Carlisle were at odds. The 22-year old two-time All-NBA selection was a source of tension within the organization. Carlisle stated that he came to the conclusion that his departure would be mutually beneficial.
Carlisle stated Thursday that he had just sent Doncic a thank you message. I learned many things from him and told him that I was glad that I only see him two times a year. Of course, I mean it in the most positive way.
“I believe he is the best young player in all of the world. He will use these three years as a springboard to the next 10 years. He will be a NBA champion. He should be multiple MVP winner. His abilities and knowledge of the game are something I admire greatly. He is truly a one-in-a-generation player.”
Sources said that the Pacers will not request compensation from the Mavericks even though Carlisle resigned with two years left on his contract. Cuban didn’t want to cause any problems for Carlisle in his search for a new coaching job.
Carlisle described Cuban as a “trusted friend and basketball soulmate”. “You sometimes meet people who change your life. He changed mine and my family’s lives. It is very difficult to find a simple way to express gratitude to someone for the 13 years we have shared together.
“I have an incredible amount of gratitude for Dallas, the Mavericks team, and all of the coaches and players that I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Dirk, J.Kidd [Jason Terry], Luka [Chandler], Shawn Marion and J.J. Barea – there are so many. It would be difficult to simply express my feelings about it.