Nate McMillan’s contract situation
He wants to go a year at a time when the current deal runs out. Yes, it’s a rare decision in today’s coaching world, but in the long run, it’s probably a genius move. Look, the guy’s already earned enough money that he’s secure for the rest of his life. If things go off the tracks here, he’ll be able to escape unscathed, for the most part, and be able to get another big job.
If the NBA ever returns to Seattle, he’d be in a position to go take that job, too.
And with those one-year contracts, if the team gets to the Finals or wins a championship, this guy is going to be in a position to earn a king’s ransom to return for another year. Can you imagine coaching your team to a title and then getting to negotiate a new contract? How much leverage is that?
Coaches, NBA, Trail Blazers | Dwight Jaynes | July 11, 2009
contract, Dwight Jaynes, Nate McMillan, Portland Trail Blazers
I agree. It seems like a win/win situation for team and coach and I see no reason not to take Nate at his word. If this team doesn’t make the top of the mountain, he can lose big too.
because he isn’t just an incredible coach, he is a man of values and ethics… almost unheard of in todays world. Nate is a stud.
I am skeptical that Nate will ever be in a position to demand a “king’s ransom” (i.e. win a championship)…I also think the scenario you mention about a team moving back to Seattle (the Hornets’ color scheme already matches the Sounders and Seahawks…) is not that far-fetched.
The flipside of the coin is that if fired, there’s very little payout…relative to what one could potentially face with a multiyear salary. And in todays NBA, that does seem riskier than it would have been a few years ago. There’s only so many head coaching positions to go around.
Not everyone believes what Nate is saying about his reasoning behind one year at a time deals. You should take a look at the article in Yahoo sports about this summers winners and losers so far. Doesnt paint a very rosy picture of our GM.
Nate is a class act….
Overall Nate has done a solid job for us. He has made incredible progress with very little veteran help. He has really earned the right to do year to year contracts.
With that said, if he decided to walk I will not lose any sleep over it. We have players on this team most coaches would drool over to have a chance to coach
I would prefer not to replace Nate, but I also know we would do fine without him
Very classy move to force your team to renegotiate with you every summer so your players never know if you’re going to be the coach next year. Heh.