Today, reports from BD Cricket Live reveal that the Brooklyn Nets are interested in hiring Kentucky’s legendary coach John Calipari to take over as their new head coach. However, sources indicate that Calipari is demanding a staggering $120 million over ten years, a figure that could make even the deep-pocketed Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov hesitate.
On the same day, the Nets officially announced the dismissal of head coach Lionel Hollins and general manager Billy King due to the team’s dismal performance. Assistant coach Tony Brown will serve as interim head coach for now. Still, the Nets are urgently searching for a true “savior,” and John Calipari has emerged as a prime candidate. However, securing his services won’t come cheap. Calipari, already earning a handsome salary in the NCAA, is reportedly seeking a contract that would pay him $12 million annually — matching the highest coaching salary in NBA history previously held by Phil Jackson during his time with the Lakers.
BD Cricket Live further notes that the Nets are struggling to attract superstar players who can boost ticket sales and TV ratings. Turning to a high-profile college coach like Calipari, who mentored NBA stars such as DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, and Anthony Davis during their college careers, seems like a bold yet calculated gamble. Although Calipari has long maintained his loyalty to the NCAA, insiders say he would consider making the jump if an NBA team meets his hefty salary demands.
Last summer, the Sacramento Kings engaged in serious talks with Calipari but ultimately balked at his $11 million annual asking price. Likewise, in 2014, Calipari turned down a 10-year, $80 million offer from the Cleveland Cavaliers, missing the opportunity to coach LeBron James. He also expressed interest last summer in coaching the New Orleans Pelicans to reunite with Anthony Davis, but again, the negotiations fell through due to his sky-high financial expectations.
Aside from Calipari, former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson is also reportedly on the Nets’ shortlist. But with Calipari’s name carrying heavyweight clout and a proven track record of developing elite talent, the Nets are clearly aiming for a grand slam. As the saying goes, you have to spend money to make money — and Brooklyn seems ready to bet big.