Report: Rockets, Pelicans pursuing Ty Lue as lead assistant coach

Tyronn Lue is still hoping to land a head coaching gig in the NBA this summer, but he apparently has a couple of appealing assistant jobs waiting for him if that does not work out.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Lue is being pursued by the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans for their lead assistant jobs. Lue remains focused on securing another head coaching job, though the only vacancy at the moment is with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Rockets have seen several members of their coaching staff depart this offseason and are working on a contract extension with Mike D’Antoni, so adding Lue would give them some much-needed stability and experience. Sources told Charania that Lue was offered an assistant coaching job with Houston right when he was fired by the Cleveland Cavaliers back in October, though it’s unclear if they made a formal offer more recently.

Working in New Orleans could also be an attractive option for Lue even with the Anthony Davis situation continuing to look uncertain. He worked with Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry in the past as an assistant on Doc Rivers’ staff with the Los Angeles Clippers and was also in Cleveland when new Pelicans GM David Griffin still worked in the Cavs’ front office. New Orleans, of course, is going to add Zion Williamson in the NBA Draft, so that might be enticing for Lue as well.

Lue was close to becoming the next head coach of the Lakers before they hired Frank Vogel, but the negotiations were botched.