The Pistons will pay Monty Williams so much money NOT to coach them

Monty Williams was a big-splash hire for the Detroit Pistons last offseason. Sure, the franchise was rebuilding, but maybe he could bring some of the magic he made in Phoenix with the Suns.

Instead, the Pistons won 14 games in 2023-24. No big deal, right? He had years to work with a young team that could develop.

Nope. On Wednesday, the Pistons fired him. And per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, he had a ton of money left on his contract. Which means the owners of the Pistons will now be paying (checks notes) some $65 million NOT to coach their team.

It’s a head-scratcher given where the Pistons are at. But, uh, good for Williams?

ESPN Sources: After one season, the Detroit Pistons have dismissed coach Monty Williams — who leaves with five years and $65M-plus left on his deal. New President Trajan Langdon will move to make his own coaching hire now. pic.twitter.com/QHKivQS5o2

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2024

Pistons: “We’re going to have to let you go with 5 years, $65 million left on your deal, but we still owe you the money.”

Monty Williams: pic.twitter.com/YroLNV9P2S

— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) June 19, 2024

Monty Williams getting 65 mill to go home and get release from a horrible front office : pic.twitter.com/Gx0LnIU1g9

— Chaz Bailey (@my_man_Zo) June 19, 2024