The Detroit Pistons are reportedly set to give Monty Williams, the winningest NBA head coach since 2021, the biggest deal for a coach in NBA history.
Williams and the Pistons agreed to a six-year deal worth $78.5 million, according to ESPN. The Athletic, which first reported on Williams’ deal with the Pistons, said team options and incentives could increase the deal to eight years and $100 million.
The Athletic reported Wednesday that Detroit has been «intensively pursuing» Williams, who was surprisingly released by the Phoenix Suns after losing in the second round of the NBA Playoffs to the Denver Nuggets.
That search also brought a hefty price tag, a reported $10 million, to entice Williams to head to the Motor City. This deal would be worth $12.5 million per season, making him the highest paid head coach in the NBA.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams looks on before Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets. (Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs legend Gregg Popovich, who has the most wins for a head coach in NBA history, made $11.5 million last season. Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors ranked second with $9.5 million, while Williams didn’t even break into the top 10 for the highest salary.
PISTONS WILLING TO MAKE MONTY WILLIAMS ONE OF NBA’S HIGHEST-PAID COACHES IN HEAVY CHASE: REPORT
Although Williams has built a track record that the Pistons clearly love, he’ll face a much different situation in Detroit.
With the Suns, Williams had Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and other perennial All-Stars under his management. Now, he will be tasked with developing the young talent of Killian Hayes, James Wiseman and Jaden Ivey, as the Pistons want a process that gradually reaches the playoffs once again.
Devin Booker #1 with head coach Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game six of the Western Conference semifinal playoffs. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Detroit had the worst record in the NBA last season at 17-65, but they only received the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Victor Wembanyama, the consensus first overall pick many believe to be a generational talent, he will address the Spurs who won the lottery earlier this month.
Still, Williams has a new assignment on his hands, but he thinks he can execute it in Detroit, and the Pistons are certainly making sure he feels well compensated for doing it.
Head coach Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns watches his team play the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter during Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Williams finished with a 194-115 record in Phoenix while leading the New Orleans Pelicans to a 173-221 overall record during his five seasons with the franchise.
He was also named NBA Coach of the Year for the 2021-22 season.