The Houston Rockets are hiring Dallas Mavericks assistant Stephen Silas to become the franchise's next head coach, sources told ESPN.

Silas and the Rockets were finalizing terms on a contract Wednesday afternoon, and a formal announcement is expected soon, sources said.

Silas will replace Mike D'Antoni, who left after his contract expired at the end of the season.

Silas sold the Rockets on his offensive ingenuity and a strong pedigree in 20 seasons as an NBA assistant under highly regarded head coaches such as Rick Carlisle and Steve Clifford. His history coaching elite guards -- including Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry and Kemba Walker -- is expected to serve him well with the Rockets, shaping his own system around James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

Silas is the son of former NBA player and coach Paul Silas, and he worked for his father early in his career in Charlotte.

Stephen Silas, 46, will be the first hire of new Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, who recently replaced Daryl Morey.

Silas built a strong reputation in the league for his even-tempered and likeable style through the years. He is an Ivy League graduate of Brown University.