Monty Williams became the scapegoat for the disappointing end to the Phoenix Suns’ 2023 playoff run. Williams was fired by the organization after four years of service.
After parting ways with the Suns, Williams inked a new deal with the Detroit Pistons. Williams will reportedly make $13 million annually. Keeping that in mind, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported that Steve Kerr and Erik Spoelstra are seeking $20 million per year in salaries in light of Williams becoming the highest-paid coach in the league.
“It’s going to significantly impact the head coaching landscape for high-level coaches, including Miami’s Erik Spoelstra, Golden State’s Steve Kerr,” Wojnarowski said. “Both of those coaches with one year left, next season, on their deal. Both, I’m told in the $8 million annual range right now. Both coaches, when you talk to owners, executives around the league, if they were on the open market, might be able to get what the new NFL coach in Denver got, in the neighborhood of $20 million a year.”
He added: “It’s hard to imagine Erik Spoelstra leaving a Miami organization where he started 28 years ago as a video intern, 15 years as a head coach with two championships, but Steve Kerr is going to be a different situation. This is an aging roster, and the world view for Steve Kerr might be a little different. So watch his negotiations this summer on an extension.”
(Starts at 0:50)
Erik Spoelstra and Steve Kerr are two of the longest-tenured head coaches in the NBA right now. Moreover, they have brought immense success to their respective teams.
Monty Williams’ contract has essentially reset the coaching contract market. The like of Spoelstra and Kerr would be the first in line to receive a pay rise.
Will Steve Kerr Stay With The Golden State Warriors?
Steve Kerr has been the coach of the Golden State Warriors since 2014. Kerr has led the Dubs to four NBA Championships during his tenure.
But many believe it may be time for Kerr to move on to the next chapter in his life. There are two possibilities being discussed. First, he could move on to an executive role following Bob Myers’ exit. Myers has always spoken highlight about Kerr.
Second, he could take the head coaching responsibilities for the San Antonio Spurs following Gregg Popovich’s imminent retirement from the NBA. Kerr looks up to Popovich. Moreover, the Spurs are expected to draft Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Either way, Kerr currently has one year left on his deal. If the Warriors want him to stay, they will need to give a hefty pay raise to him.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
