From ESPN.COM HOUSTON -- Jeff Van Gundy has tentatively agreed to become the Rockets' next coach, a Houston television station reported Monday. NBA sources told KRIV that Van Gundy called the Rockets on Monday morning and said he will be their next coach pending successful contract negotiations, which are ongoing at this time. Van Gundy spent two days in Houston last week meeting with Rockets officials and looking at schools and houses with his wife. But he left town without accepting the Rockets' offer, which was believed to be for $4 million to $5 million annually for at least four years. "It was very nice. Houston is a beautiful city and the Rockets are a great organization. I had a great time," Van Gundy said. The deal to hire Van Gundy, the former New York Knicks coach, also will depend on whether the Rockets can agree to give the Knicks some form of compensation for hiring him. Van Gundy is still under contract with New York through July 31. The Washington Wizards have a five-year deal worth between $25 million and $35 million on the table for Van Gundy to accept. According to ESPN sources, the former Knicks coach would not have the general manager's title in Washington, but would have significant say in personnel. The Wizards have not confirmed that an offer has been made. Van Gundy has been owner Les Alexander's top choice to replace Rudy Tomjanovich, the longtime Rockets coach who stepped down on May 23. The Rockets told their other primary candidate, Mike Dunleavy, that they will not make any other moves with potential candidates until Van Gundy makes his decision. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. --

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