The Toronto Raptors have made a commitment to keep their head coach Nick Nurse on the sidelines long term.
The team announced a multi-year contract extension for Nurse last Tuesday. The terms of the deal were not disclosed per the team's policy at the time but the Athletic's Shams Charania is reporting that Nurse will make $8 million annually on his new extension. The deal makes the 53-year-old Nurse one of the NBA's highest-paid coaches.
"Our confidence in Nick just continues to grow, and part of that comes from what we've experienced together," Raptors president Masai Ujiri said in a release. "The past two seasons have been unlike any other in our team's history — first winning our championship, and then navigating a global pandemic and committing long-term to the fight against racism and for social justice.
"Nick has proved that he can coach on the court and lead in life, and we're looking forward to accomplishing great things in the future."
Nurse has posted a 111-43 record in his two seasons as head coach of the Raptors. He has a 23-12 playoff record, which includes leading Toronto to their first Finals appearance and capturing their first NBA title.
"My family and I will always be appreciative of Larry Tanenbaum and MLSE ownership for this opportunity," Nurse said in the release. "I'm grateful to Masai, (general manager) Bobby (Webster), and the players for their trust and their hard work.
"Toronto has been my home for the past seven years, and I look forward to it being home for many more. I've watched this franchise grow and reach the pinnacle, and I look forward to the challenge of helping us win another championship."
Nurse came to the Raptors in July of 2013, becoming an assistant coach on Dwane Casey's staff. He was integral in helping improve the Raptors' offence, eventually leading to a franchise record-setting 59 wins in 2017-18. He was promoted in June of 2018 to the head coach role, taking over after Casey was let go.
Nurse was named the 2020 NBA Coach of the Year in August and is widely regarded as one of the premier coaches the league has to offer in just two short years.
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