Former 76ers Assistant Gains Interest From Bucks, Raptors

The Milwaukee Bucks are on the hunt for a new head coach. Not long after coming up short in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the Bucks cut ties with Mike Budenholzer.

A few weeks later, the Bucks gained interest in a newly-available prospect Monty Williams, as his time with the Phoenix Suns came to an end.

Williams, who has had coaching stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Philadelphia 76ers, just wrapped up his second head coaching job since 2010.

As the Suns came up short in the second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the Suns are in search of a new leader. According to a report from The Athletic, the Bucks now have eyes on Williams as a potential Budenholzer replacement. Two other Eastern Conference teams are expected to pursue Williams as well.

“Williams, who sources say has three years and $21 million left on his Suns deal, is said to be focusing on family time after being fired despite being a season removed from winning NBA Coach of the Year. League sources tell me the Bucks, Pistons and Raptors will pursue and inquire about possibilities with Williams.”

While it sounds like Williams could take some time away, there are several teams waiting to attempt to lure him in. Currently, the Bucks, Detroit Pistons, and the Toronto Raptors are searching for their next head coach.

Currently, the Sixers do not have any assistants listed as candidates for the three teams mentioned above. And with Williams hitting the market as Phoenix cut ties with him, teams will likely remain focused on acquiring the former Coach of the Year.