Would Detroit Pistons, Monty Williams Consider Buyout?

After a disappointing first season, what are the chances Monty Williams and the Detroit Pistons part ways?

Last offseason, the Detroit Pistons were extremely aggressive in their pursuit of a new head coach. Monty Williams was their top target following his departure from the Phoenix Suns, and they eventually landed him. The Pistons made history by inking the longtime coach to a massive six-year contract worth $78.5 million.

Before landing in Detroit, Williams had a rather successful tenure in Phoenix. He had a 194-115 record across four seasons, and helped lead the team to the NBA Finals in 2021. Given his recent track record, Detroit saw Williams as someone who could turn things around with this young Pistons team.

In his first year in Detroit, things have not gone how the organization might have thought. The Pistons are once again on track to have one of the worst records in the NBA at 13-64. This lackluster season was highlighted by a record 28-game losing streak.

After falling short of expectations this season, rumors have started to emerge of another possible coaching change in Detroit. In his last breakdown of the coaching market, Yahoo’s Jake Fischer reported that Williams has no plans on agreeing to a contract buyout this offseason.

“There has been ongoing speculation among rival front offices about a potential change atop Detroit’s organizational chart following the Pistons’ strugglesome campaign. At this juncture, according to one source with knowledge of the situation, there is no expectation that Williams would be open to any buyout of his six-year, $78.5 million contract.”

While things might not have gone the Pistons’ way this season, they have set themselves up nicely for the future. Along with bringing in multiple complementary pieces at the trade deadline, they are on pace to have a sizable amount of cap space come free agency.