The Detroit Pistons are clearly willing to pay big bucks for Monty Williams to either take some time off or coach somebody else.
How much? How does $65 million sound?
The Pistons made the decision official, firing Williams after just one season. And yes, he still has five years and $65 million left on his contract. They just hired Trajan Langdon as their new head of basketball operations on May 31.
The decision to move on from Williams seems to have been made by Gores, as opposed solely by Langdon.
"Decisions like these are difficult to make, and I want to thank Monty for his hard work and dedication," Gores said in a statement from the team. "Coaching has many dynamic challenges that emerge during a season and Monty always handled those with grace. However, after reviewing our performance carefully and assessing our current position as an organization, we will chart a new course moving forward."
"I have great respect for Monty as a coach and as a person and I am certain he will be successful in his future endeavors. I sincerely wish him and his family the very best."
Detroit's search for a new coach will begin immediately.
Williams, 52, compiled a league-worst 14-68 record in his lone season with the Pistons, setting the NBA consecutive-loss record at 28. But the roster is incredibly young and suffered multiple injuries.
Before that, he was coach of the Hornets (then in New Orleans) and Phoenix Suns, and has a 381-404 overall coaching record. He coached the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2020-21, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks.
"We are unwavering in our commitment to bring a championship-caliber team to Detroit," Gores added. "We will be diligent and swift in our search for a new head coach to lead our exciting young core of players and will continue our vision towards building a best-in-class front office that will help us achieve sustainable success."
