Williams offered multi-year deal by Hornets

Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams has been offered a multi-year deal by New Orleans to become the Hornets’ next head coach.

The deal is not yet finalized, though, according to Williams’ agent, Steve Kauffman.

If Williams agrees to terms with the Hornets, a deal is expected by next Tuesday at the latest.

Williams has been on New Orleans’ radar for at least two years, initiating with his work as Portland’s head coach during the team’s recent Summer League camps.

Boston assistant coach Tom Thibodeau was originally offered the Hornets job. However, Thibodeau was slow to make a decision. The job offer was then passed on to Williams.

Williams recently completed his fifth season with the Trail Blazers. He, head coach Nate McMillan and lead assistant Dean Demoploulos have guided Portland from a franchise-worst 21-61 record in 2005-06 to back-to-back 50-win seasons and playoff berths.