Calipari’s extension is a preemptive strike against NBA speculation
It’s probably no coincidence that word of John Calipari’s imminent contract extension at Kentucky leaked out Tuesday evening hours after a potentially attractive NBA gig opened up.
This was likely a strategic move from the Wildcats aimed at quashing the Calipari-to-the-NBA speculation that pops up every spring.
Many of the beat writers covering Kentucky reported within minutes of one another Tuesday that school officials were close to finalizing a one-year, $8 million contract extension with Calipari that would run his deal through 2022. Like previous contracts, this one also includes a $1.6 million bonus if Calipari is still the coach of Kentucky on July 1, an extra incentive for him to remain in Lexington.
Whereas Calipari’s previous extensions have been formally announced once they became official, word of this one came the same day as the New Orleans Pelicans fired coach Monty Williams despite 45 wins and a playoff appearance. That gig could be intriguing to Calipari if New Orleans shows interest due to the presence of two of his former players, blossoming superstar Anthony Davis and ex-University of Memphis guard Tyreke Evans.
The New Orleans job is one of several potential jobs with players with ties to Calipari that could become available this spring. A divorce between Tom Thibodeau and Chicago appears imminent barring a deep playoff run from the Bulls, while David Blatt’s longevity in Cleveland could also be determined by how the Cavs fare the next few weeks.
Calipari has turned down overtures from NBA franchises before during his Kentucky tenure, but seldom have they boasted a playoff-caliber roster and a potential future league MVP entering his prime. Though Calipari was one of a handful of elite college coaches who passed on the Cleveland job last spring, that was well before anyone was certain LeBron James would return there.
There’s no guarantee New Orleans will have any interest in Calipari or any of the other jobs will open, but the contract extension with Kentucky won’t prevent him from talking to an NBA team if he wants. He’s clearly content in Lexington, yet he’s also still free to pursue his dream job should it become available.
In reality, this contract extension merely serves as a preemptive strike against annual speculation Calipari could return to the NBA, something that creates uncertainty among prospective recruits and whips Kentucky’s fan base into a frenzy.
It doesn’t change the fact he could still leave, but it certainly sweetens the pot for him to stay.
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Jeff Eisenberg is the editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
