Former Suns Head Coach Monty Williams Becomes Highest-Paid Coach in the NBA

© Vincent Carchietta- USA TODAY Sports

Breaking news out in the NBA world as the Detroit Pistons make it official by signing former Suns head coach Monty Williams to a 6-year deal worth $72 million to become their next head coach according to Shams Charania from the Athletic.

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

That’s not the only thing about the deal as reports came out as well that Williams’ deal could reach 8 years and $100 million based on team options and incentives.

Monty Williams’ Pistons deal could reach eight years and $100M based on team options and incentives, sources tell me and @JLEdwardsIII. https://t.co/jOoWKghm79

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 1, 2023

With this contract, Monty Williams is set to become the highest-paid coach in the National Basketball Association. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich earned $11.5 million a year last year and Williams will be earning $12 million a year this upcoming season.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich earned $11.5M in the 2022-23 season, the highest by any NBA head coach.

Monty Williams will make $12M per year as the new head coach of the Pistons 🤑 pic.twitter.com/CE2DFPJXMW

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 1, 2023

It’s also worth noting that the Suns still owe Monty Williams $21 million dollars over the next three seasons. So at least from 2023-2026, Williams will be cashing in $19 million dollars a year which would set him up $8 million more than any coach in the NBA.

Williams brings a lot of playoff experience as well as leadership and culture changeability. The Suns were a bottom 5 team for 6 years before Williams came in and helped turn them into a playoff-caliber team.

Former Suns coach Monty Williams will be the new head coach for the Detroit Pistons. This is without question the best coach for the Pistons on the market. Williams is really great at establishing an identity and culture. Two big things the Pistons need.#WeAreTheValley#NBA https://t.co/RTHT6esE3b

— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) June 1, 2023

Williams has the best winning percentage in the NBA over the past 4 seasons. He won the NBA Coach of the Year in the 2021-22 season after guiding the Suns to 64 wins which is the most in franchise history. He also helped get them to an NBA Finals appearance back in the 2020-21 season.

Monty Williams agrees to six-year deal with the Detroit Pistons

Williams left a great legacy in Phoenix and it’s nice to see his career move into another direction in Detroit. Let’s see if he can replicate if not exceed the success he had in Phoenix. All signs point to he can and he will.