It appears the Pistons have their coach.
After reports surfaced earlier on Wednesday the team was pursuing former Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams with a massive deal, The Athletic reported Wednesday night they’ve agreed to a deal.
The deal is reportedly worth $72 million over six years, according to Shams Charania. At a reported $12 million a year, Williams would be the highest-paid coach in the league, ahead of Greg Popovich, who made $11.5 million in 2022-23.
James Edwards of the Athletic reports the deal could reach up to $100 million with incentives and includes team options for years seven and eight.
Williams reportedly turned down a “big-money offer” from Detroit earlier in May, but GM Troy Weaver and owner Tom Gores didn’t give up their pursuit. The Athletic reported earlier Wednesday the new offer would be “in the range of $10 million per year.”
The Suns fired Williams in May after they bowed out in the second round of the playoffs. Williams earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in 2022 after a 64-win season. He brought them to the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since 1993.
Williams, known to be an offensive-minded coach, will inherit a young Pistons squad featuring youngsters Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. He will replace Dwane Casey, who posted a 121-263 record with one playoff appearance in four seasons in Detroit.
Related
