Mark Heisler, the LA-based Hall of Fame writer, reports that the Nets have reached out to Jeff Van Gundy and "he didnt say no," according to Heisler's tweet. The news was later confirmed by Mike Mazzeo of ESPN New York.

The former Los Angeles Times hoops writer tweeted...

Source says #Nets made preliminary contact w/Jeff Van Gundy. Only introductory--but he didn't say no. That's 2 suitors for JVG w/#Clippers — Mark Heisler (@MarkHeisler) May 31, 2013

In a New York Times report Friday night, Heisler added that the contact was also "brief." Van Gundy, who coached the Knicks and Rockets before joining ESPN, was on everyone's short list until about two weeks ago when Stefan Bondy, among others reported the Nets weren't interested in he or his brother Stan.

In a text exchange with SNY's Josh Newman, Van Gundy pointedly did not deny the report.

"I don’t just talk about jobs," Van Gundy told SNY.tv via text message. "If [Nets General Manager] Billy [King] wants to talk about who he has talked to, then that’s up to him."

The Nets too declined comment on the Heisler report.

Mazzeo later confirmed Heisler's report, with a tweet of his own.

Confirmed @markheisler report that #Nets have contacted Jeff Van Gundy about their vacancy, though no interview has been set up. — Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) May 31, 2013

Increasingly, there's a sense that Lionel Hollins is not the front-runner for the job.