Knicks Rumors: Tom Thibodeau’s Contract Value Debated by NBA Execs After Playoff Loss

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJune 6, 2024

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New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau’s contract expires after the end of the 2024-25 season, and he’s certainly deserving of an extension after leading the team to playoff appearances in three of the past four years.

As for how much that contract should be valued, Fred Katz of the Athletic spoke with eight front officials who don’t work for the Knicks, and all of them provided answers “ranging from $10 million a year to $13.3 million a year.”

“Two respondents valued Thibodeau at $40 million over four years,” Katz wrote. “The most lucrative per-season response was $40 million over three years, $13.3 million a year.”

Katz added that “the sweet spot for Thibodeau was $12 million a year.”

Prior to Thibodeau’s arrival in 2020, the Knicks made the playoffs just three times in 19 years. So the fact that Thibodeau could get the Knicks to the postseason three times in four seasons is an incredible accomplishment given the team’s significant 21st century struggles.

This year’s team finished 50-32 and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals despite key players suffering a host of injuries, namely All-Star forward Julius Randle dealing with a dislocated shoulder that ended his season in late January.

Despite that, the Knicks were just one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the Indiana Pacers in the second round in seven games.

Ultimately, it would behoove the Knicks to agree to an extension with the well-deserving Thibodeau as they build off a tremendous season.