Report: Pelicans finalizing deal to name Willie Green next head coach

Phoenix Suns assistant coach Willie Green is negotiating to become the next head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. (David Zalubowski/AP)

The New Orleans Pelicans are "nearing completion" on a deal to name Willie Green the team's next head coach, ESPN's Andrew Lopez and Adrian Wojnarowski report.

Lopez and Wojnarowski add that the contract should be finalized this week.

Green is currently an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns, who are competing in the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks. Before joining the Suns, Green was an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors.

The 39-year-old played 12 seasons in the NBA, including seven with the Philadelphia 76ers. A six-foot-three shooting guard, he averaged 8.3 points and just under two assists over 731 career games.

The Pelicans and head coach Stan Van Gundy parted ways in June after only one season. The Pelicans finished the season 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 31-41 record and missed the play-in tournament by two games in the standings.

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