Monty Williams’ extension solidifies Phoenix Suns’ future
The Phoenix Suns have further solidified the future of their franchise, extending the contract of head coach Monty Williams.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Williams, already under contract for the next two years, has committed to the franchise for ‘several more seasons’.
ESPN Sources: Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams has agreed on a long-term contract extension. Williams, the NBA’s coach of the year, had two years left on his original five-year deal — and now moves under contract for several more seasons.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 23, 2022
The extension is a sign of faith from owner Robert Sarver, whose had a string of head coaches under his ownership of the franchise. Williams is Phoenix’s ninth head coach since Sarver took control of the team in 2004.
The 50-year-old Williams has already coached the third most regular season games for the Suns in that time, sitting behind Mike D’Antoni for the second most playoff games during the 18-year period.
After a dominant and league-leading 64-18 record in 2021-22, Williams also became the first Suns coach since D’Antoni in 2004-05 to win the NBA’s Coach of the Year award. His regular season win percentage of .656 sits just behind Paul Westphal in franchise history.
But it’s the playoffs where Williams will be looking to further his legacy in coming seasons. After an inspiring run to the NBA Finals in 2021 (where the fell in six games to the Milwaukee Bucks), the Suns had a disappointing end to their 2022 campaign.
What a moment for Chris Paul and Monty Williams 🙏 pic.twitter.com/pIG3gW9KSF
— ESPN (@espn) July 1, 2021
Williams isn’t and shouldn’t be immune to criticism in the wake of their game seven loss to the Dallas Mavericks. After a deflating finish to what resulted in some ways as a ‘wasted season’, pressure will once again roll around should the Suns, as expected, enter the playoffs with a high seeding.
Still, fans should be proud of what this team has achieved and where it’s heading. Stability is the key to success, and after years without it, the Suns are finally starting to acknowledge and reward its importance.
Williams’ extension comes after the franchise re-signed starting center Deandre Ayton earlier in the month, with superstar Devin Booker also committing to a four-year supermax extension.
These moves come on the back of contract extensions for other franchise staples, Chris Paul and Mikal Bridges, last offseason.
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The Suns may not have yet reached the mountaintop, but this news provides further confirmation that they’re travelling the correct path.