The New York Knicks are currently ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. If they finish in this position, it would be their highest result during the Tom Thibodeau era, if it remains the same.
This is significant because the highly respected head coach is entering the final year of his contract.
“As with any coach with an uncertain contract situation, the outcome of the postseason will be important for what happens next,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported on March 22. “But sources in the league say that he wants to secure his future with the Knicks when they discuss the matter this summer.”
Amick mentions that Thibodeau's current contract is estimated to be valued at $7 million per year and runs until the 2024-25 season.
“At this rate, the Knicks may end up wishing they had agreed to a deal with Thibodeau before coaching salaries recently surged,” Amick stated. “All indications suggest that he is likely to receive a well-deserved raise.”
Amick highlights Thibodeau's strong relationship with players like Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo.
The Knicks have been one of the top teams in the conference over the past two seasons, further strengthening Thibodeu’s case for a higher salary.
Knicks Trending in Right Direction Under Tom Thibodeau
Amick points to the substantial contracts signed by Monty Williams with the Detroit Pistons (six years, $78.5 million) and Doc Rivers with the Milwaukee Bucks (three-plus seasons, $40 million) among others as evidence of the escalating trend in coaching salaries.
The Knicks have the 12th-best winning percentage in the NBA since Thibodeau took over in 2020-21, according to Stathead. This is the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference during that period.
They hold the ninth-best winning percentage over the last two seasons, still fifth in the East.
One encouraging sign is that the Knicks are tied with the Brooklyn Nets with the for the 13th-most postseason wins since Thibodeau’s arrival. However, they are tied with the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors with the for the sixth-most playoff wins over the last two seasons.
The Knicks have the eighth-easiest remaining strength of schedule, according to Tankathon as of March 22. This could lead to a strong finish and a larger payday for Thibodeau.
Knicks to Be Without 3 Stars vs. Nets
Injuries have complicated matters for the Knicks all season, and that won’t change down the stretch.
Julius Randle OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and will all miss their next game, according to the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy on March 22. Anunoby has played in just three of the last 23 games. He has missed the last two matches as he deals with an elbow injury.
Randle has been absent for the last 23 games as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
Robinson has not played since early December, missing the last 28 games due to an ankle injury. Initially ruled out for the season, recent reports suggest that Robinson may return before the 2023-24 season comes to an end.
“While Robinson's return may not be immediate, it does seem highly probable that he will be back before the regular season concludes,”
SNY.com’s Danny Abriano stated on March 21. “If/when Robinson returns, it is anticipated that he will come off the bench, with [Isaiah] Hartenstein remaining in a starting role.” It would really help the Knicks to have all three players back before the playoffs. Even having just one could make a big difference.
The head coach of the New York Knicks, Tom Thibodeau, is nearing the end of his contract and might be thinking about the future.
