The New York Knicks are far from done following Tuesday’s blockbuster trade for F Mikal Bridges. Albeit not quite as snazzy as acquiring a star talent, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is expected to receive a contract extension in the near future.
Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks are likely to come to an agreement this offseason
Thibodeau is entering the final year of a five-year deal signed before the 2020-2021 season. Per NBA reporter Marc Stein, the Knicks and Thibodeau are likely to come to an agreement on an extension very soon.
“A contract extension is likewise expected in the near future for coach Tom Thibodeau,” said Stein. “Even if the Knicks run out of financial flexibility to re-sign Isaiah Hartenstein, they should have a team to be reckoned with in the easier East for years to come and built it by religiously adhering to a blueprint that is all their own.”
Thibodeau has righted a sinking ship since being hired by the Knicks
The belief around the league is that Thibodeau will almost certainly be extended, and for good reason. After failing to make the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons prior to hiring Thibodeau, the Knicks have been to the playoffs three times in the last four seasons. This past season, the Knicks finished as the 2nd seed in the East, winning 50 regular season games, and advancing to the second round of the playoffs.
Thibodeau made his mark from the jump, being named NBA Coach of the Year for the second time in his coaching career in his first season with the Knicks in 2021 after guiding the team to a 41-31 record and the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference, and was in the running for the award once again this year.
Additionally, the Knicks have experienced a major culture shift under Thibodeau. New York is 175-143 in the four seasons since Thibodeau took over, considerably better than the 184-374 record that the team boasted during their seven-season playoff drought.
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Knicks’ stars support the possibility of Thibodeau’s contract extension
Thibodeau also has the support of his players, speaking with The New York Post in May, F Josh Hart shared his thoughts about his coach possibly being extended.
“He deserves it,” said Hart. “He’s someone that works extremely hard and he prepares us. He makes sure we have the right mindset. But it’s not in my hands.”
When Thibodeau is extended, or for how much, remains to be seen. The Knicks have a long to-do list to take care of this offseason, but Thibodeau being extended through the Knicks championship window feels like almost a guarantee.
