If you had any questions regarding Billy Donovan’s job security, the Chicago Bulls provided a definitive answer on Wednesday, June 11. According to a report from K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, the Bulls declined the New York Knicks’ request to speak with Donovan over their open head coaching role.
“The Knicks requested permission to speak to Billy Donovan for their coaching vacancy but were denied, per sources,” Johnson reported via X. “The Bulls value Donovan highly for his coaching acumen, communication skills and ability to connect with players and all members of organization.”
Donovan has just completed his fifth season with the Bulls. The veteran head coach is slowly implementing his philosophy into a new wave of players, as Chicago’s front office continues to push ahead with a rebuild. The Knicks clearly viewed Donovan as a potentially strong successor to Tom Thibodeau. Nevertheless, it would appear the Bulls understand the impact Donovan is having on the team.
In 400 regular-season games with the Bulls, Donovan has amassed a 195-205 record, giving him a win percentage of .488%. Considering the injury issues Chicago has dealt with during his tenure, Donovan has done a strong job for the franchise.
Bulls Must Avoid Overpaying Josh Giddey
While retaining Donovan’s serivces has suddenly become an important part of the front office’s blueprint, they must also keep their focus on the upcoming free agency period. Most notably, the Bulls must decide how they want to approach Josh Giddey‘s restricted free agency.
According to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, Chicago must avoid overpaying the playmaking guard this summer.
“Chicago has no reason to keep negotiating against itself,” Favale explained. “There is not going to be a market above the bigger mid-level exception of $14.1 million for the 22-year-old unless the Brooklyn Nets are feeling spicy. Just like last year with Patrick Williams, the Bulls hold all the cards. They folded in those previous negotiations anyway, giving Williams a five-year pact that has aged into one of the NBA’s least attractive contracts. They can’t afford to make the same (inexplicable) error with Giddey.”
In 70 games, Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists, shooting 46.5% from the field and 37.8% from 3-point range.
Giddey May Not Have Much Choice
The upcoming free agent market is expected to be rather flat, as few teams are heading into the summer with legitimate cap space. As such, the Bulls may let the market dictate Giddey’s next contract.
“The harsh conditions of restricted free agency and the lack of offers that may come with it could get the Bulls to offer him something in the low $20 million range annually,” Yossi Gozlan wrote via his “Third Apron” substack. “An annual salary in the $25 million range could be his ceiling and ultimately a fair compromise.”
If the Bulls can ink Giddey to a long-term contract, keep Donovan with the franchise, and find ways to add some young talent, they will be an exciting prospect next season. Therefore, the coming months will be exciting for Bulls fans, as they see how the roster is constructed for the new season.
Nevertheless, Chicago must hope that New York turns its attention away from Donovan. The last thing the franchise needs right now is a change in coaching direction.
