Without a doubt, head coach Tom Thibodeau is one of the primary factors that spurred the New York Knicks to success during the past few years. He’s up for a contract extension soon and it looks like the front office has locked up for the upcoming season and beyond.
Thibodeau first entered the NBA as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1989. After spending 20 years working that role there and for various teams, such as the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Boston Celtics.
After that period, Thibodeau received his first head coaching gig from the Chicago Bulls in 2010. From there, he transitioned to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016 and even went on to become the franchise’s lead executive until the end of the 2018-19 season. It wasn’t until 2020 when the Knicks signed him as their new head coach, a role he has maintained until now.
Just recently, Thibodeau managed to coach the All-Star Jalen Brunson and the Knicks to a Conference Semifinals appearance in the East against Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. This is the third time in four years he has led New York to the playoffs after the franchise endured a seven-year postseason drought.
Tom Thibodeau’s Possible Salary in New York Knicks Contract Extension
With one year left in his current contract, there has been speculation on whether Thibs will remain as the Knicks’ head coach beyond next season. According to Marc Stein of the Stein Line, the former Timberwolves executive is a lock to sign a contract extension with the franchise.
“Tom Thibodeau is a “virtual certainty” to sign a contract extension with the New York Knicks for at least $10 million a season, league sources told Marc Stein of The Stein Line,” a RealGM article stated.
Thibodeau mentioned before that he prefers to stay in New York coaching the Brunson-led team. This season, the Knicks enjoyed their best run in years after finishing second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 50 wins and 32 losses.
Having Thibodeau around will help maintain the Knicks’ momentum for future campaigns. And with this update almost confirming his stay in New York, the team will have the chance to continue what they have built.
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