The Bulls are working to finalize an extension with head coach Billy Donovan, reports Marc Stein for The Stein Line (via Twitter). Donovan’s current contract reportedly has one year remaining.
The news comes on the heels of the Bulls declining the Knicks’ request to interview Donovan in their head coaching search. Ian Begley of SNY.tv reported that one of the currently employed head coaches pursued by the Knicks was able to “benefit financially” from New York’s interest. While it’s not 100% clear Donovan was the coach in question, it appears he’s about to earn some additional guaranteed money from the Bulls.
Donovan has been Chicago’s head coach for the past five seasons, during which time he has amassed a record of 195-205 (.488). The team went to the 2022 playoffs under Donovan, losing in five games to the Bucks.
After trading Alex Caruso and Zach LaVine last year, the Bulls are attempting to retool on the fly, building around a younger core while trying to stay competitive. Donovan appears to be the coach the Bulls are counting on to help forge the identity of the new-look roster as they look to keep adding to a group that features Matas Buzelis, Coby White, and likely Josh Giddey, whose restricted free agency represents the biggest contract decision the team has to make this summer.
Chicago will also have to decide how Nikola Vucevic fits into its long-term plans. The veteran center has one year left on his deal and is coming off an excellent offensive season, which could make him a trade candidate.