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Silver: Record Deal For Pistons Coach Reflects Market Realities

Jun 6, 2023

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged that as far as coaching salaries are concerned, it’s open season.

Speaking before Game 1 of the NBA Finals Thursday in Denver, Silver said Monty Williams’ six-year, $78.5 million contract with the Detroit Pistons reflected the league’s market reality: Coaches’ compensation isn’t collectively bargained and governed like it is for players.

Williams’ deal — signed this week after the 2022 Coach of the Year was fired by Phoenix last month — is the largest ever for an NBA coach and reportedly could reach $100 million with options and incentives included.

The pact immediately amplified concerns that smaller-market clubs could lose out in future bidding wars for top coaching talent.

“We’re able to negotiate collectively with the players because they choose to negotiate as a union,” Silver said. “The coaches haven’t made that election … teams compete individually, and it’s where the marketplace takes us.”

Source: Front Office Sports

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