Report: ‘No Expectation’ Pistons’ Monty Williams ‘Would Be Open’ to Contract Buyout

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIApril 5, 2024

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Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams reportedly won’t be open to a buyout of his six-year, $78.5 million deal, which he signed before the 2023-24 season.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports provided the report as the Pistons wind down a season that sees them sit last in the NBA standings with a 13-63 record.

“For now, at the bottom of the standings, 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.”

Detroit began the year by winning two of its first three games but proceeded to lose an NBA-record 28 straight.

It’s been a rough season for Detroit, obviously. The team is in the middle of a massive rebuild, so the Pistons weren’t expected to just start competing for the playoffs. But a 28-game losing streak to all but end the team’s season before midpoint of the NBA season was certainly concerning. There have been plenty of lifeless games along the way as Detroit plays out this disastrous season.

The Pistons are also ending this year on a rough patch, losing 10 of 11 games.

Naturally, fingers are pointed at the general manager (Troy Weaver) as well as the coach. Weaver, who has been the Pistons’ GM since 2020, shoulders more of the blame for the team’s current state.

Some draft picks and additions have simply not worked out (e.g. Killian Hayes), although the roster has seen a rash of injuries that has in part led to 30 players taking part in games this year. Developing any sort of continuity and chemistry is a near-impossible task.

Williams, who has found success in past coaching stops (New Orleans, Phoenix), has struggled in his first year in Detroit. Perhaps he ultimately isn’t the answer, but cutting him loose after just one year seems somewhat rash given the hand he was dealt.

As is, if he’s not amenable to a buyout, then it’s hard seeing him going anywhere, especially given how much money is left on his deal. So for now, the Pistons move forward in hopes of brighter days.