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What's more crazy is that Jackson only got 8M for 4 years with no experience but Kerr got 25M for 5? I guess there was a bidding war because other people wanted him?
As for the salary, America is crazy like that. negotiations always involve what you made at your last job in the industry (GM), no matter what your qualifications may or may not be for your new job. But yeah, having multiple offers or suitors will always help that starting salary too.
Also helps that Phil Jackson came a-calling. If one of the greatest minds in bball comes knocking, you better believe other teams are paying attention.