Billy Donovan was not out of work for long. After mutually agreeing to step down as coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Donovan has agreed to become coach of the Chicago Bulls, the team announced Tuesday. The deal is for four years and is valued at 24 million. According to Athletic’s Shams Sharana. Bull recently hired former Denver Nuggets executive Arturas Karnisovas as the new head of basketball operations, so Donovan completes his organizational reshuffle and gives Bulls a high-level playoff experience and developmental track record at the University of Florida.
“We are delighted to welcome Billy and his family to the Chicago Bulls. The success they have maintained during their coaching careers has taken them to a whole new level,” Karnisovas said in a statement. “Individually and collectively, we feel his ability to help reach the potential of his players. We will do well with our roster. Whether as a player or as a coach, he has won everything he has done in his career, and we hope he Will continue. Here in Chicago. “
Still, renting through Donovan’s exit lens in Oklahoma City is surprising. His departure was based on the uncertainty of his future, with possible reconstruction. Thunder reportedly offered Donovan a two-year extension before the season, but he refused, and as Chris Paul’s business was booming, Donovan decided to test the market and see what else he could find. Now he’s landed a gig with the team in a somewhat similar position.
The Bulls have plenty of young talent in Cabbage White, Zach Lavin, Laurie Markkanen and Wendell Carter, but they are picking up No. 4 overall in the upcoming NBA Draft and should struggle to reach the postseason quickly in the crowded Eastern Conference. While Bull is more with him, he’s still in the middle of a rebuild, but Chicago still managed to persuade Donovan to take the job, even after potentially lean years.
“I would like to thank Jerry, Michael, Arturas and Mark for the opportunity to coach the Chicago Bulls. I thank them for the time and effort they put into this hiring process. I am excited to partner with Arturas as I work. “Together on behalf of this historic franchise,” Donovan said in a statement.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wozniacki, Chicago chased Donovan aggressively as soon as he left Thunder. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, is still in search of a replacement. Philadelphia, New Orleans, Houston and Indiana are still looking for new head coaches. With Donovan out of the market, the competition for the few remaining Pte head coaches with winning track records will now get tougher.
