Could Brooklyn Nets outbid Memphis Grizzlies for Lionel Hollins

No one other than Chris Broussard is saying Lionel Hollins is on the Nets shortlist, at least officially. But Hollins is a free agent and his Grizzlies squad now has a 2-1 lead over the Thunder in the conference semi-finals. It doesn't take much imagination to see how Memphis could wind up in the NBA Finals. Whether Grizzlies won it all or not, Hollins' value would rise dramatically as a result.

Hollins is saying all the right things about staying in Memphis and there are indications now that the Grizzlies, who've seemed reluctant to sign him at times, want him back after all. But suppose, asks Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the Nets wanted to out-bid the Grizzlies.

"I can't be concerned about that. I have a job to do," Hollins told Shelburne after the Grizzlies practiced Friday. "I'm excited with where we are and what we're doing. I'm excited about the job I have and the players I have. My focus is just on them and doing that. When all the dust is settled and we move forward, that's the time to deal with that other stuff."

Indeed, if they wanted, the Nets ownership could use their financial resources --the value of their investment in the Nets/Barclays Center has more than tripled-- to outbid competitors for coaches other than Hollins.

• Lionel Hollins optimistic he'll return as coach of Memphis Grizzlies - Ramon Shelburne - ESPN Los Angeles