Unless there is a collapse, Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks should qualify directly for the playoffs in the coming weeks. The success against the Nets allowed them to take a four-win lead over the Heat, currently seventh in the Eastern Conference.
It would be a small feat on the scale of New York because it would be the third time in five years under the orders of the former Chicago coach and also the second time in a row. Which has only happened once in over twenty years…
The coach therefore succeeds in his adventure with the Knicks, which contractually must end at the end of next season. But according to The Athletic, Tom Thibodeau would like to secure his future beyond the 2024/25 season. He therefore hopes for a contract extension this summer.
A contract as big as its counterparts?
An extension which will undoubtedly be correlated with his results in the playoffs and which, if it happens, should allow the Coach Of The Year 2011 and 2021 to increase his salary. Because with the recent contracts and extensions of Monty Williams (13 million dollars per season), Gregg Popovich (16), Steve Kerr (17.5) or Erik Spoelstra (15), there is inflation among coaches and, in comparison, Thibodeau's 7 million annually are no match.
While waiting to sign a big contract, Tom Thibodeau is already delighted with his current very good season and the exemplary behavior of his players, despite the injuries which constantly strike the franchise.
“We are a team and that is the priority,” he explained at the start of the week. “This is why we want players who sacrifice themselves and put the collective before themselves. But for that, you have to believe in it. When the best players believe in it, then the whole team ends up believing in it. We know we have an excellent group, and it's pleasant to be with them every day. They give everything they have. We are lucky, but still work to do. »
