The New York Knicks and Tom Thibodeau are settling a five-year offer to make him the franchises next head coach, sources tell ESPN.
Knicks president Leon Rose and agent Spencer Breecker of CAA Sports were working Saturday to complete contractual terms, and a signed agreement is anticipated in the future, sources said.
Rose and executive vice president William Wesley are finishing a two-month search process, with Thibodeau long expected to emerge with the job. Together, theyll be charged with the overwhelming challenge of restoring a pitiable franchise to NBA importance.
1 RelatedNew York is relying on Thibodeau, who has a history in gamer development as a head coach and assistant, to take into location a program that will restore a competitive facilities with the Knicks. For now, Rose and Thibodeau acquire a lineup that requires remarkable upgrades before a return to Eastern Conference contention is a realistic goal.
New York was 21-45 this season, missing the playoffs for the sixth straight year.
Thibodeau is 11th in profession winning portion for coaches with 500 or more video games. He has a 352-246 (.589) record in eight seasons with Chicago and Minnesota.
Thibodeau, 62, comes to the Knicks after a turbulent two-plus seasons with the Timberwolves that included the franchises first playoff berth in 14 years– and an unraveling fixated All-Star Jimmy Butlers trade demand that led to Thibodeaus termination as president and coach in 2019.
Thibodeau had 5 playoff seasons with the Bulls, consisting of a trip to the Eastern Conference finals and an NBA Coach of the Year award in 2011. A series of injuries to MVP Derrick Rose contributed in thwarting the Bulls champion goals.
Thibodeau was a Knicks assistant under Jeff Van Gundy from 1996 to 2004 and has long desired to go back to New York as a head coach. Hes a local of New Britain, Connecticut.
Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford, a buddy of Thibodeaus who dealt with him in New York on Van Gundys staff, learnt about the news throughout the Magics scrimmage against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Hes one of the best coaches in the league and he understands New York. He comprehends the fan base, he understands the New York media, and hes a fantastic, terrific coach. Hell do excellent there and its a terrific hire on their part.”
Hes one of the best coaches in the league and he understands New York. He understands the fan base, he comprehends the New York media, and hes a terrific, terrific coach. Hell do fantastic there and its an excellent hire on their part.”
Magic point player D.J. Augustin, who had a profession renaissance under Thibodeau in 2013-14 as a member of the Bulls, said he enjoyed his experience with the demanding Thibodeau and valued how tough he coached.
If you dont want to play for a coach thats going to truly coach you and be hard on you, you do not desire to be fantastic, so I enjoyed playing for Thibs. He was a fantastic coach, excellent guy, great motivator, so Im actually pleased for him and Im delighted that he got that job.
ESPNs Nick Friedell added to this report.
If you do not desire to play for a coach thats going to actually coach you and be tough on you, you dont desire to be excellent, so I liked playing for Thibs. He was a great coach, terrific person, excellent incentive, so Im really happy for him and Im delighted that he got that job.
