Negotiations between the Wizards and St. John’s coach Mike Jarvis continue but no announcement is immiment, sources close to the situation told The Post.
Jarvis told The Post that a contract would not prove to be the wedge that keeps him and the Wizards apart. But after Thursday’s sessions, the Wizards, represented by Michael Jordan, the president of basketball operations, and Jarvis’ attorney, Rob Ades, were very far apart.
Jarvis and Ades spoke several times over the weekend. Jordan, said a source, had a contingency plan in place and was preparing to go to it if a deal with Jarvis could not be reached.
Jarvis did not return calls yesterday, and Ades declined to comment, saying only that any announcement would have to come from the Wizards.
A source said the Wizards offered a four-year deal worth about $2.3 million per season. Ades asked for $28 million over seven years. Talks ended abruptly with the Wizards leaving the ball in the Jarvis-Ades camp.
After the initial contract talks on Thursday broke off with the two sides far apart, $15 million over five years seemed like a common ground for the two sides. That is similar to the deal the Hawks offered Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.
At a press conference yesterday following the NBA Draft lottery, Jordan said he still had several candidates in mind. Jordan had wanted a coach in place by yesterday.
An NBA source familiar with the Wizards’ situation said the two sides were much closer together and said Jarvis would be named this week. There are several factors which could delay the announcement.
There still are several contractual details that could delay the announcement as well as the fact that Jarvis is attending the Big East Conference meetings in Florida. Jarvis is not expected back until tomorrow.
St. John’s athletic director Ed Manetta Jr. had dinner with Jarvis last night. Manetta said he had last spoken to Jarvis about the Washington situation Friday and was told there was no update.
The tragic death of former St. John’s star Malik Sealy in a car crash Saturday also could delay any announcement. Jarvis told The Post Saturday that he wanted to attend the services for Sealy.
Jarvis also told The Post that St. John’s would not learn of his going to Washington via a press conference. There simply may not be enough time to get everything in place by today but both sides are in agreement on a deal.
St. John’s will quickly begin the process of searching for a new coach, if necessary. Hofstra coach Jay Wright has the inside track, said one source close to St. John’s, but assistant coach Kevin Clark also is considered a strong candidate.
