Report: New Calipari deal contains bonus timed to deter NBA jump
There's desperation, there's desire, and then there's dinero.
It appears to be that last one speaking loudest for Kentucky head coach John Calipari, who reportedly agreed to an extension through the 2021-22 season on Tuesday.
In doing so, Calipari didn't entirely shut the door on a move to the NBA, something reports suggest he "desperately wants" to do, but he made it a lot more difficult. Not only does the new contract escalate his salary annually to a high-water mark of $8 million that few NBA coaches receive, but it also includes a well-timed bonus to deter an immediate jump to the pros.
The contract includes a $1.6-million bonus if Calipari is still the team's head coach on July 1 of this year, according to multiple reports. Combine the potential salary decrease with a potential buyout - his previous deal didn't have one but it hasn't been disclosed if the extension contains one - and it could be expensive for Calipari to make the leap.
But July 1 isn't exactly a drop-dead date. Most NBA teams would probably prefer to enter free agency with a coach at the helm, especially one with the recruiting clout of Calipari, but multiple hirings were made after July 1 the past two seasons.
The Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Pelicans all have coaching vacancies, with the Pelicans representing an incredible opportunity to build around Anthony Davis, and the Chicago Bulls are largely expected to ouster Tom Thibodeau.
If Calipari is willing to take a small haircut to jump early or a team is willing to wait until after July 1, a move remains plenty possible.