NEW YORK (AP) - Mike D'Antoni is set to become coach of the New
York Knicks.

A person within the NBA told The Associated Press today that the
Suns coach has accepted an offer from the Knicks. The person spoke
on condition of anonymity because no official announcement had been
made.

D'Antoni replaces Isiah Thomas, who was fired in April after the
Knicks went 23-59 and tied the franchise record for losses in a
season.

The offer is reportedly for $24 million over four years, making
D'Antoni one of the league's highest-paid coaches. The Chicago
Bulls also interviewed D'Antoni for their coaching job.

D'Antoni had two years left on his Suns contract. Owner Robert
Sarver won't confirm that D'Antoni had taken the New York job. The
Knicks would not comment and a message was left for D'Antoni and
his agent.

The Suns were eliminated in the first round for the playoffs by
San Antonio last month. Phoenix then gave D'Antoni permission to
speak to other teams about openings, but hoped he would remain with
them.

D'Antoni is a native of Mullens (West Virginia) and starred at
Marshall.