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Monty Williams has found a new home with the Detroit Pistons. A few weeks after getting axed by the Phoenix Suns, the former NBA Coach of the Year winner will take his talents to Motor City.
Per Shams Charania:
"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."
Williams' deal could even go higher than the initial figures:
"Monty Williams’ Pistons deal could reach eight years and $100M based on team options and incentives."
At roughly $12 million per season, he instantly becomes the highest-paid coach in the NBA. He will take overtake the San Antonio Spurs' Gregg Popovich ($11.5 million) on the list of best-paid coaches in the league.
Phoenix was eliminated in brutal fashion over the last two seasons, which was likely why Williams was fired. He did bring the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks after leading 2-0 in the series.
Williams will go from an elite Western Conference team to one that could still be in rebuilding mode in the East. He will have his work cut out for him as he tries to lead the Detroit Pistons back to relevance in the NBA.
Monty Williams will have emerging talent to work with the Detroit Pistons
Monty Williams will lead a Detroit Pistons team that's filled with young but potentially solid to great players. Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, James Wiseman, Jalen Duren and Killian Hayes could benefit from his knowledge and veteran experience.
Cunningham played just 12 games last season, which was the main reason why they limped to a league-worst 17-65 record. The former No. 1 pick had career-highs in points (19.9), rebounds (6.2) and assists (6.0). Williams could be the coach to bring him to the next level.
Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren are also expected to make a significant leap next season. Ivey is an electric talent who can complement Cunningham while Duren is an elite rim protector with a ton of upside.
James Wiseman couldn't get his career going with the Golden State Warriors. Working with Williams may unlock some of his untapped potential. Duren and Wiseman will take note that Deandre Ayton started to develop under Williams' time in Phoenix.
The Detroit Pistons could also add Amen Thompson or Jarace Walker, depending on who the Houston Rockets will pick at fourth. Whether it's Thompson or Walker, Monty Williams will have an improved roster than the one the Pistons had last season.
Guess the Lakers players!
