VIA ESPN:

The Detroit Pistons are closing in on a resolution in their coaching search after two days of talks with ESPN analyst Avery Johnson.

Sources familiar with the Pistons’ thinking told ESPN.com that Tuesday would be a decisive day in their courting of Johnson, exactly one week removed from the dismissal of Michael Curry.

Pistons president Joe Dumars had his first face-to-face meeting with Johnson at the latter’s Houston-area home Sunday night, which was followed by ongoing discussions between the sides Monday.

If they can’t strike an agreement on financial terms and other job parameters by Tuesday, Dumars and Johnson both appear prepared to move on. NBA coaching sources say Dumars, in that scenario, would then turn to Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach John Kuester to replace Curry.

Johnson has been widely regarded as the leading candidate for the position since ex-Pistons coach and current TNT analyst Doug Collins withdrew from consideration last week. That status stems largely from Dumars’ declarations after Curry’s firing about moving forward “with a more experienced coach” and his intent to have that coach in place before the Pistons begin summer-league play in Las Vegas later this week.

Yet it’s believed that Johnson, well aware that the Pistons are looking for their sixth coach as they enter Dumars’ 10th season in charge, is seeking the security of a four-year contract. Such a deal could prove cost-prohibitive for the Pistons after they paid both Flip Saunders and Curry last season and still owe Curry an estimated $5 million over two years. Detroit, though, would share the financial burden in the first two years with the Dallas Mavericks, who still owe Johnson an estimated $8 million over the next two seasons.

Sources familiar with the talks say Sunday’s meeting was positive and that the sides made further progress Monday, but obstacles remain. Dumars dropped a hint to that effect Friday, even before the face-to-face negotiations began, telling the Detroit News that it is “not a given” that Johnson will be hired despite the perception that Collins’ withdrawal opened up a clear path to the job for him.

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VIA SI:

All or nothing seems to be the formula for coaching the Detroit Pistons. Bring home an NBA championship or hit the road.

First-year coach Michael Curry became the latest Pistons coach to get the ax as president for basketball operations Joe Dumars fired him Tuesday after watching his team stumble to a sub-.500 record and an embarrassing first-round exit from the playoffs.

But winning playoff games hasn’t been enough to keep Pistons management happy. Just ask Flip Saunders.

Dumars fired Saunders last season after he led the team to the Eastern Conference finals in each of his three seasons. Curry was an assistant under Saunders for one season.

In 2005, the Pistons parted ways with Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown after he helped them win a title and almost repeat during his two years with the team. And Rick Carlisle was fired after two years with the Pistons following a conference finals appearance in 2003 in his second season and NBA Coach of the Year honors in his first.

Curry and Dumars shared playing days together with Detroit. That may have helped Curry land the coaching job last year, but it wasn’t enough to keep him in it.

The Pistons went 39-43 in 2008-09 and were swept in the postseason in four lopsided losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers after six straight conference finals appearances. Dumars said after that series that Curry would return, but changed his mind by Tuesday.

“This was a difficult decision to make,” Dumars said in a statement. “I want to thank Michael for his hard work and dedication to the organization. However, at this time, I have decided to make a change.”

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