Report: Scott Brooks agrees to become Washington Wizards head coach
The Washington Wizards have agreed to hire Scott Brooks as their next head coach, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. The deal will reportedly be worth $35 million over the next five years.
Scott Brooks has agreed in principle on a five-year, $35M deal with the Wizards, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) April 21, 2016
Brooks, 50, coached the Oklahoma City Thunder for seven seasons before the team parted ways with him last summer. While he led the team to a Finals appearance in 2012, many felt he underachieved with a stacked roster that included Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and that his offensive strategies (or lack thereof) left plenty to be desired.
But Brooks was well-liked by his players, and there are those who believe his presence may increase the likelihood that Durant considers Washington more carefully as a free agent destination. Durant is from the D.C. area, and he's in the final year of his contract with the Thunder. This summer he'll be an unrestriced free agent, and can choose to play anywhere he wants.
The Wizards finished up a disappointing season with a .500 record which caused them to miss the playoffs. Bradley Beal is a restricted free agent, so barring any major trades, only John Wall, Marcin Gortat, Markieff Morris and Otto Porter are guaranteed to be on the roster next season.
