According to a report in the Arizona Republic, Avery Johnson has been eliminated as a candidate for the head coaching job in Chicago.

Mike D'Antoni still appears to be the strongest candidate for the Bulls, but money is still a concern with the team also paying Scott Skiles $4m next season despite Skiles signing a four year, $18m contract to coach the Milwaukee Bucks.

Former Sun Charles Barkley lashed out at D'Antoni on Wednesday, saying D'Antoni wants out but is too scared to resign.

"Mike D'Antoni wants to leave, and he don't have the (guts) to resign," Barkley said on Dan Patrick's radio show. "He wants them to fire him. He wants to get paid and get another job. He wants to get his cake and eat it, too. He's trying to hold them hostage. He knows he's going to get another job. He wants the Suns to fire him so he can get that $9 million they owe him."

"If he had any (guts) whatsoever, he'd say, 'You know what? I don't want to be here,' but he wants them to fire him so he can get paid and get another job."

Via Arizona Republic

Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks

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