11 December 2021
Coach`s contracts and buyouts are usually pretty clear-cut, but there are always a few gray areas. In the case of an NBA coach, they will often get paid their full salary for the year if they are fired during the season. However, if a coach is fired during the offseason, they may not be entitled to any money.
It really all depends on the contract that was negotiated between the coach and the team. So, while coaches may not always get paid when they are fired, it really varies on a case-by-case basis.
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What happens to a coach’s salary when they’re fired?
When an NBA coach is fired, their salary usually depends on when they were let go. If a coach is fired during the season, they will often receive their full year’s salary. However, if a coach is let go during the offseason, they may not be entitled to any money.
It all comes down to the contract that was negotiated between the coach and the team. So while coaches may not always get paid when they’re fired, it really varies depending on each individual case.
Case studies: recent examples of NBA coaches who were fired
Here are some coaches who have been fired in the NBA in recent years
1. David Blatt, Cleveland Cavaliers
Blatt was fired by the Cavaliers in January of 2016, during the middle of the season. At the time of his firing, he had two years and $8 million left on his contract. However, due to a clause in his contract, he was only paid half of his remaining salary. So, while he did receive some money after being let go, it wasn’t the full amount that he was owed.
2. Tyronn Lue, Los Angeles Clippers
Lue was fired by the Clippers in October 2020, just a few days before the start of the regular season. He had three years and $18 million left on his contract at the time of his firing. However, due to a clause in his contract, he will only receive $2.5 million of that money. So, while he will be paid something after being let go, it’s not the full amount that he was owed.
3. Byron Scott, New Orleans Pelicans
Scott was fired by the Pelicans in 2015, during the offseason. At the time of his firing, he had one year and $4 million left on his contract. However, due to a clause in his contract, he was only paid half of his remaining salary. So, while he did receive some money after being let go, it wasn’t the full amount that he was owed.
4. Derek Fisher, New York Knicks
Fisher was fired by the Knicks in 2016, during the middle of the season. At the time of his firing, he had two years and $9 million left on his contract. However, due to a clause in his contract, he was only paid half of his remaining salary. So, while he did receive some money after being let go, it wasn’t the full amount that he was owed.
5. Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City Thunder
Donovan was fired by the Thunder in 2020, just days before the start of the regular season. He had four years and $24 million left on his contract at the time of his firing. However, due to a clause in his contract, he will only receive $6 million of that money. So, while he will be paid something after being let go, it’s not the full amount that he was owed.
Conclusion
As you can see, whether or not an NBA coach gets paid after being fired really varies on a case-by-case basis. It all comes down to the contract that was negotiated between the coach and the team. So, while coaches may not always get paid when they’re fired, it really depends on each individual situation.
