Sloan: If Nets call, I'd listen

A Deron Williams-Jerry Sloan reunion?

Could be if both sides wind up really wanting each other.

Sloan, who retired in 2011, said Monday that he'd like to return to coaching and wouldn't be opposed to taking GM Billy King's phone call and possibly reuniting with Williams.

King, speaking Monday on ESPN 98.7 FM's "Stephen A. Smith & Ryan Ruocco Show," said he had yet to contact any potential candidates and reiterated the Nets weren't necessarily looking for a marquee name.

But if he decides to phone Sloan, he wouldn't abruptly hang up.

“I'm open, I would listen,” Sloan, 71, told Comcast SportsNet Northwest. “I haven't done the research on their roster, but I would definitely listen if they called.”

Williams reportedly clashed with Sloan in their final days together with the Jazz.

After explaining how the Nets need to play with more physicality next season, Williams was asked Sunday if a coach could necessarily help in that effect. Williams said: "I think so. When I played for Coach Sloan, I think he had that effect, just the way he coaches and the way he talked to us every day and the way he prepared us for games kind of rubbed off.”

When Sloan's name was mentioned again, asking if he'd like to have him in the mix once more, Williams said: "I would love to play for Coach Sloan again.”

Sloan's name has surfaced a few times since he's retired, most recently being tied to the Bucks' vacant post. He'd prefer if his name didn't keep popping up, but he's seemingly pondering being on the sidelines again in 2013-14.

And, apparently, that would include doing so with the Nets if the feeling is mutual.

“According to reports, I'm interested in every job that's out there,” Sloan said. “That's just not the case. I don't like being linked to every opening. If the right situation presented itself, I will look into it.”