PHOENIX (AP) -Despite rampant speculation that Mike D'Antoni is headed to Chicago or New York, Phoenix point guard Steve Nash expects his coach to be back on the Suns' bench next season.

Beyond that, the two-time NBA MVP had little to say about the Suns' ongoing coaching saga during a charity appearance Friday.

``This is the last thing I'm going to say about our coaching situation: Mike's my coach,'' Nash said. ``So I expect to see Mike back here next year. And I know there's a lot of stuff going on right now, but Mike's my coach. I love playing for him. I expect to see him back in October.''

Nash's remarks came after he helped officials from utility Arizona Public Service and the Suns dedicate a refurbished basketball court at Florence Crittenton of Arizona, which offers programs for at-risk girls.

D'Antoni, who has two years worth $8.5 million remaining on his contract, reportedly has been courted by the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks. Earlier this week, the Suns granted D'Antoni permission to speak to other teams even as they expressed hope he would remain with them.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.