The Detroit Pistons have appointed Monty Williams as their new head coach following Dwane Casey’s move to the front office. By guiding the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021 and winning Coach of the Year in 2022, Williams, who spent the previous four years with the team, earned notable achievement.
Breaking: Monty Williams and the Detroit Pistons have agreed in principle on a six-year, $72 million deal for Williams to become the franchise’s new head coach, sources tell me and @JLEdwardsIII. The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 1, 2023
He was fired, though, when the Suns were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. Williams first stated that he wanted a year off, but changed his mind after the Pistons made him an offer that would make him the highest-paid coach in NBA history. The 51-year-old coach has agreed to take the helm of the Detroit team.
Monty Williams inks record-breaking Pistons deal
The NBA has been swiftly filling its coaching openings in a whirlwind of summer changes. The hiring of Nick Nurse as the Philadelphia 76ers’ new manager was one key step that stoked speculation about Monty Williams’ possible future plans.
Now that Williams’ impending signing to a lucrative six-year, $72 million deal with the Detroit Pistons has been formally revealed, the rumours are officially over. With incentives, the contract can last for eight years and $100 million.
Monty Williams has agreed to a six-year, $78.5 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, sources tell ESPN. It’s the largest coaching deal in NBA history.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 1, 2023
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, this large contract, which is worth $78.5 million, establishes a new record for coaching contracts in terms of money.
Williams chose to accept the responsibility of leading the Pistons, a team during a rebuilding process, rather than forgoing prospective possibilities with the Milwaukee Bucks or Toronto Raptors.
Detroit wants to resume its winning ways despite having the poorest record in the league last year and missing out on the highly anticipated Victor Wembanyama in the draught. Williams is viewed as the ideal choice to lead the Pistons to success and make the required decisions to rebuild the team because of his shown coaching ability.
Is Williams the highest paid coach in NBA history?
Recent changes in the coaching industry seem to support this. Williams received a stunning $78.5 million six-year contract from the Detroit Pistons, shocking the basketball world and making him the highest-paid coach in the league. The Pistons’ substantial investment shows that they have faith in Williams to oversee their rebuilding process and take them back into contention.
Williams now occupies this position, however there have been other renowned coaches who have demanded high compensation. With a salary of $9.5 million, Golden State Warriors legend Steve Kerr comes in third on the list. The second-highest-paid NBA coach in history, Gregg Popovich, makes $11.5 million annually.
Williams, though, is now the highest-paid coach thanks to his new contract, which tops both Kerr and Popovich in terms of pay. Williams is the appropriate coach to usher in a new era of success for the team, as evidenced by the Pistons’ commitment in him.
