The Wizards and coach Scott Brooks have decided to part ways after failing to reach agreement on a new contract, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Brooks’ deal expired at the end of the season, and while he’s a favorite of star point guard Russell Westbrook, the money apparently didn’t make sense for Brooks to return.
Brooks signed a five-year deal in 2016, and with that deal expiring, there’s been speculation that Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard may opt for a coaching change.
Westbrook just finished his first season with the Wizards, who reached the playoffs before falling to the top-seeded 76ers in the first round. He backed Brooks publicly at the end of the season.
“If it was up to me, Scotty wouldn’t be going anywhere. It’s not even a question or a conversation to even be brought up,” Westbrook told reporters. “If the conversation is brought to me, I will definitely voice my opinion like I’m voicing it now and see what happens.”
“This year he did a hell of a job. He did a job that I’m pretty sure people didn’t think he was able to do. He kept us together, he kept us encouraged, he kept us fighting. He don’t get a lot of credit for it, but he deserves a lot of credit for putting us in position to be successful.”
Brooks has compiled a 183-207 record with the Wizards, and is 521-414 in 12 seasons overall.
The Wizards become the sixth team to undergo a coaching change this offseason, joining the Celtics, Pacers, Pelicans, Trail Blazers and Magic.
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