Though Memphis Coach Lionel Hollins said he was stunned that the Grizzlies had granted him permission to speak with other teams, his representatives Monday began seeking a job for him by calling the Clippers, according to two NBA executives who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Hollins and his agent, Warren LeGarie, wanted Clippers officials to know that Hollins is interested in their opening, one executive said. They were waiting for the Clippers’ front office to hear back from owner Donald Sterling before any decisions could be made, the executive said.


The Clippers reported interest in Denver Nuggets Coach George Karl appears to be going nowhere, another NBA executive said.

Karl, who has one year left on his contract, hasn’t been contacted by the Clippers, and the Nuggets haven’t given any team permission to talk to their coach, the executive said.


Hollins coached the Grizzlies to a franchise-best 56-26 record, helping them reach the Western Conference finals.

His team beat the Clippers in the first round and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round before being swept, 4-0, by the San Antonio Spurs in the conference finals.


Hollins went on a radio station in Memphis on Monday to express his surprise that the Grizzlies’ management was unwilling to negotiate a contract extension with him.

“I thought everything was good,” he told the radio station. “I was excited when I left [last week]. ... The next thing I know I’ve been given permission to talk to other teams.”


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broderick.turner@latimes.com

Twitter: @BA_Turner