ducks
06-03-2006, 01:43 PM
Win would lock in millions in future incentives for Avery
By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News
This could be the biggest night in Mavericks' history, which would make it pretty large for coach Avery Johnson, too.
If the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals, it will complete the bonus structure that was built into the contract Johnson signed with the Mavericks late last season.
The deal gave Johnson three years guaranteed as coach and paid him about $2.5 million this season.
But if the Mavericks make the NBA Finals, the fourth season on Johnson's contract – believed to be in the $5-million neighborhood – would become guaranteed. In addition, all his bonus incentives for this year and the next two seasons would be met.
"What Avery's done is prove again just how important coaching is in the NBA," said Tony Dutt, who was Johnson's agent in his playing days and still works for him as a consultant. "Avery has really done a wonderful job and it couldn't happen to a better person."
Johnson's contract, of course, is the last thing on his mind. Foremost is closing out the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference finals, which the Mavericks can do tonight in Phoenix.
"I have a lifetime contract with Mark Cuban," was Johnson's only comment when asked about the contract.
Cuban has said numerous times that the organization trusts Johnson implicitly as coach and has applauded "The General" for implementing a system that is less vulnerable to the variables that often crop up in the league.
By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News
This could be the biggest night in Mavericks' history, which would make it pretty large for coach Avery Johnson, too.
If the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals, it will complete the bonus structure that was built into the contract Johnson signed with the Mavericks late last season.
The deal gave Johnson three years guaranteed as coach and paid him about $2.5 million this season.
But if the Mavericks make the NBA Finals, the fourth season on Johnson's contract – believed to be in the $5-million neighborhood – would become guaranteed. In addition, all his bonus incentives for this year and the next two seasons would be met.
"What Avery's done is prove again just how important coaching is in the NBA," said Tony Dutt, who was Johnson's agent in his playing days and still works for him as a consultant. "Avery has really done a wonderful job and it couldn't happen to a better person."
Johnson's contract, of course, is the last thing on his mind. Foremost is closing out the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference finals, which the Mavericks can do tonight in Phoenix.
"I have a lifetime contract with Mark Cuban," was Johnson's only comment when asked about the contract.
Cuban has said numerous times that the organization trusts Johnson implicitly as coach and has applauded "The General" for implementing a system that is less vulnerable to the variables that often crop up in the league.