Source: Meeting between Johnson, Dumars productive

Sunday's get-together between Joe Dumars and Avery Johnson to discuss the Pistons' coaching opening proved very productive, but an agreement hasn't been reached, a source told NBA.com.

"Great meeting," the source said. "Nothing to report yet."

Detroit's president traveled to Johnson's home in the Houston suburb of The Woodlands in attempt to convince the former Mavericks coach and current ESPN analyst to return to the sidelines. Johnson, 44, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Michael Curry, who Dumars fired last week after one season.

Johnson still has two years for approximately $8 million left in compensation after being dismissed in Dallas after the 2007-08 season. Johnson would forfeit that money if he takes another coaching job for this upcoming season or the next.

Finances are only part of the puzzle in Johnson's potential return. Involvement in the assembling of Detroit's roster together is a key issue for Johnson. Dumars has long been a hands-on and aggressive executive. The Pistons have already been the most active team in free agency, coming to early agreements with guard Ben Gordon and forward Charlie Villanueva.

Apparently, Johnson liked what he heard Sunday and the talks are expected to continue. Dumars has said he wants to have a coach in place this week.

Assembly of the roster in Dallas was largely influenced by owner Mark Cuban -- a fact Johnson understood as a first-time head coach. Johnson would want more of a say in putting together a team going forward, which is a responsibility many of the top coaches in the league enjoy.

Johnson's track record, despite his unceremonious end in Dallas, is a positive when selling Detroit fans on the future. The "Little General" led Dallas to its only trip to The Finals in 2006 and the league's best record (67-15) during 2006-07. Johnson owns a career record of 194-70 (.730) and is the fastest coach in league history to 50, 100 and 150 career wins. He is 23-24 in the postseason.

Dumars would likely have to offer a multiyear deal (four to five years) at about $5 million annually to entice Johnson. A contract of that size would demonstrate a commitment in the coach, a luxury Curry didn't have. Dumars is hiring his sixth coach in 10 years running the franchise.

Other potential candidates include Cleveland assistant John Kuester and Boston assistant Tom Thibodeau. TNT analyst Doug Collins withdrew from consideration last week.

Johnson is in no rush to leave ESPN and is willing to survey the coaching market next year if a deal with Dumars doesn't fall into place.

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