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Ex-Suns Coach Bags Historic $78,500,000 Deal 19 Days After Forced to Move On From Kevin Durant and Co.

Published 06/01/2023, 5:30 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Just three weeks ago, the Phoenix Suns took a huge, and astonishing decision. As they berth into the era of a new owner, the franchise also decided to move on from their head coach, Monty Williams. This came after a second straight early exit in the postseason. However, before his disappointing end to the Kevin Durant phase, he had established himself as a mastermind. And it was only a matter of time before he would get picked up by an organization.

That’s exactly what happened. Bringing the mind-boggling news to the NBA fans, Adrian Wojnarowski revealed Williams’ new assignment and the groundbreaking numbers behind his newest challenge.

Monty Williams breaks the all-time record after leaving Kevin Durant and the Suns

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The talents and basketball savvy of Williams were too superior to be kept ideal. After being let go by the Suns, it was only a matter of when someone comes knocking on his door. Signing him to a historic $78.5 million deal, the Detroit Pistons chose to hire the Notre Dame alumnus.

The agreement makes it the largest coaching deal in the history of the NBA. According to the terms, Williams will be tied with Motor City for the next six years.

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After coaching two all-time greats in Kevin Durant and Chris Paul, and a few flourishing young stars, this will be a completely different atmosphere altogether. The Detroit Pistons were the worst team in the NBA last season. Even though they lay at the bottom, Motor City failed to secure a top-four pick in the upcoming draft.

Coming from a Suns team who were well constructed, and having an abundance of talent, Williams’ job with the Pistons will be one of patience. However, Detroit arguably have the adequate talent for a prosperous future.

 

 

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At the front will be the young backcourt duo – Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. In his rookie season, Ivey turned heads with his rapid speed, vision, and ability to be a complimentary scorer. Unfortunately, Cunningham could only participate in 12 games this season due to his undergoing shin surgery.

In his absence, their newest signing, Bojan Bogdanovic had a career season averaging 21.6 points per game. Other young stars such as James Wiseman and Marvin Bagley III flood the ranks of the Pistons.

Monty Williams spent four seasons with the Phoenix Suns, transforming the culture forever. He turned them from the laughing stock into throne contenders in a matter of three seasons. The 51-year-old won a Coach of The Year award and was the brains behind Phoenix’s most successful season in franchise history.

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“He’s a 7’4 Kevin Durant”: 3 Inches Taller Than Shaquille O’Neal, 19 YO Sensation Put Under Immense Pressure by Lakers Legend

Now that he prepares for a new challenge, do you think the Suns made a mistake in not letting Williams spend more time with Kevin Durant in the system? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Having composed close to 2000 articles, he aspires to manage his own team one day and is pursuing a top-tier college-level management program specializing in sports. Anuj's love for basketball blossomed after he started following the NBA a few years ago, and he decided to merge his writing skills with his understanding of this thrilling game.
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