One season later, Detroit has paid a lot of money for Monty Williams’ future.
The Pistons released Williams on Wednesday with more than $65 million remaining on the record-breaking six-year, $78.5 million contract he signed ahead of the 2023-24 season. According to ESPN:.
Williams, who was named NBA Coach of the Year just two years ago, led the Pistons to an NBA-worst 14-68 record.
The Pistons hired Williams to a record contract and hoped he would lead a rebuild in Detroit, but the season turned out to be a disappointment.
Detroit set an NBA record with 28 straight losses in a season, tying the combined record set by the 76ers over two seasons.
The 52-year-old Williams surely knew he had big challenges ahead of him when he signed his record-breaking six-year contract, but the Pistons showed little improvement last year.
New team president Trajan Langdon first fired general manager Troy Weaver and will now choose his own coach after firing Williams.
The firing adds to a tumultuous four years for Williams.
He led the Suns to the Finals in 2021 and the top-ranked team in the West in 2022, but Phoenix was eliminated in the conference semifinals after an embarrassing Game 7 home loss to the Mavericks.
He led the Suns to a 64-18 record, earning Coach of the Year honors and a multi-year contract extension.
Williams led Phoenix to the conference semifinals last year, where they lost to the Nuggets, but new owner Matt Ishbia decided not to pursue negotiations with Williams, despite owing him more than $20 million.
Then the Pistons swooped in, jumping at the chance to add a respected coach to a team led by budding star Cade Cunningham.
According to ESPN, Williams considered the possibility of sitting out the 2023-24 season while his wife is battling cancer, but ultimately decided to remain in coaching.
There are only two other vacant head coaching positions at this time, both of which have strong candidates, so it seems unlikely that Williams will serve as head coach this season.
The Cavaliers have reportedly been linked to Pelicans assistant James Borrego, while the Lakers appear set to hire JJ Redick after being rejected by Dan Hurley.
Williams has a coaching record of 381-404 (.485) over 10 seasons with the Pelicans/Hornets, Suns and Pistons.
