Detroit Pistons hire Monty Williams as next head coach
After being let go by the Phoenix Suns, Monty Williams is off to Detroit in a blockbuster hire by the Pistons. Williams is receiving a six year, $78.5 million deal with the Pistons, Shams Charania was first to report the news, though ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski had the final contractual number.
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
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
This deal makes Williams the highest-paid coach in NBA history. Moving him in front of longtime San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.
Williams, fresh off an impressive stint with the Phoenix Suns, where he led the team to the NBA Finals, has been widely recognized for his exceptional coaching acumen and ability to connect with players. His impact on the Suns’ young core, including star guard Devin Booker and center DeAndre Ayton, was evident as the team exceeded all expectations during their playoff run.
The Pistons are one of the youngest teams in the NBA and are hungry for playoff success. With Williams in the driver’s seat, the Pistons add one of the best coaches in the NBA to influence their young and talented roster. Williams will coach young guys like former No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
With the Phoenix Suns, Williams captured one Western Conference Finals championship, as well as appearing in 58 playoff games. In those 58 games, Monty is 30-28.
Currently, the Pistons hold the longest active drought in the NBA for playoff wins. Dating back to 2007-08, when they bested the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic before losing to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Since, they’ve been swept by Cleveland Cavaliers twice (2008-09; 2015-16) and the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018-19, their most recent playoff appearance.
Can Monty Williams bring back the winning days to the Pistons? Let us know in the Comments.
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