Knicks Give Van Gundy 2 Years; Bullets Extend Lynam Contract

The New York Knicks have signed Coach Jeff Van Gundy to a two-year, $2-million contract that will replace his non-guaranteed $1 million deal for next season, according to a report in today’s New York Times.

The Knicks wouldn’t confirm the report but have scheduled a news conference for today.

Van Gundy, 34, led New York to a 13-10 regular-season record after replacing Don Nelson as coach on March 8. The team finished the season with the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference at 47-35. The Knicks swept the Cleveland Cavaliers, 3-0, in the first round of the NBA playoffs, but fell to the Chicago Bulls, 4-1, in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

While there was speculation that the Knicks would pursue a more prominent coach, management decided to stick with its self-deprecating assistant, who has seven years with the Knicks, working under four coaches.

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The Washington Bullets extended the contract of Coach Jim Lynam for two years, through the 1998-99 season. Washington improved to 39-43 this season, 18 games better than the 1994-95 season.