Knicks reportedly set to retain Tom Thibodeau beyond this season

Despite the New York Knicks struggles, the franchise is not expected to replace head coach Tom Thibodeau, per Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.

As a result, Thibodeau will remain in New York for the third straight season. The Knicks stands 5.5 games outside the play-in tournament following a surprising run to the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Thibodeau was named Coach of the Year due to last season’s surprising season, terminating an eight-year playoff drought for the franchise. New York has not been having a successful follow-up year due to poor decisions on the roster makeup during last offseason.

Thibodeau signed a reported five-year agreement in July 2020. It is believed that he earns around $5 million annually. Thibodeau has three years left on his five-year deal.

Breaking the contract will be a lucrative agreement for New York that made big splashes during the last offseason extending Julius Randle to a multiyear deal and signing Evan Fournier to a lucrative contract.

Randle’s shooting efficiency has fallen off considerably, especially from beyond the arc, while, the signings of Fournier and Kemba Walker failed to make a real difference for the team’s backcourt.

Moreover, Derrick Rose has faced injury adversity this season, while the same goes for Nerlens Noel, who was the pillar of Thibodeau’s defensive scheme last year.

The Knicks are expected to make important roster changes this offseason with point guard position being a priority.

According to Fischer, Jalen Brunson will be among the top candidates. The Mavs’ guard will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

The fact that he could be a priority this offseason is particularly interesting. Brunson is having a breakout year in Dallas. The question, however, remains if he could be a game changer for the Knicks’ backcourt after the franchise took a step back this season.

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