Derek Fisher to coach Knicks, will make triple his playing salary

Derek Fisher is finalizing a deal to become head coach of the New York Knicks, and the contract is reportedly for five years and $25 million.

Fisher, who is turning 40 in August, made just shy of $1.4 million this season as a guard with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He’ll be earning $5 million per season if Adrian Wojnarowski’s report about the salary is accurate.

Fisher will join Jason Kidd as going instantly from a player to first-year head coach. The problem is Kidd had a much better situation and roster to deal with compared to what Fisher will have.

We don’t like Fisher’s chances of succeeding based on what the Knicks have on their roster, but Phil Jackson will have a strong commitment to his former player and will give him plenty of time to succeed. Bad basketball move for Derek, but he probably couldn’t resist the hefty offer; Fisher only made more than $5 million in a season three times as a player, but it looks like he’ll outpace that as a coach.