Tom Thibodeau’s current contract as New York Knicks head coach ends following this season, but both parties are already teasing talks of an extension.
Sam Amick of The Athletic reports that both Thibodeau and the Knicks want to negotiate a contract extension following the 2023-24 campaign.
The price will undoubtedly be higher than the approximate $7 million he is making annually in this deal, but it is a small sacrifice to make considering the team the veteran head coach has built in New York.
The Knicks are a spitting image of Thibodeau’s coaching style: A hard-nosed, blue-collar blend of stars and depth that have been developed under his watch.
Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson have become All-Stars since joining New York and Thibodeau’s ranks. OG Anunoby, when healthy, provided the 3-and-D presence necessary to make it look like a legitimate contender for the Eastern Conference crown. From Jan. 1 to Feb. 6, they won 16 of 19 games to catapult up the standings.
Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, with endless motors, have become vital cogs in the machine. Mitchell Robinson was having a career year before injuring his ankle while Isaiah Hartenstein has become a worthy replacement alongside Precious Achiuwa.
Despite being without Randle and Anunoby, the Knicks are still 42-28 and holding onto the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. Since his arrival for the 2020-21 season, Thibodeau has led New York to the playoffs twice already after seven straight losing seasons.
His 167 wins over the stretch are the most by this franchise over four years since winning 169 games between 2010-2014 — and there are still 12 games to go this year.
