Knicks May Try Again for Bulls’ Billy Donovan

It would appear that Billy Donovan is a coach in high demand. The Chicago Bulls reportedly rejected the New York Knicks’ approach to speak with Donovan about their vacant head coaching position.

However, according to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, there is an expectation the Knicks could circle back on the veteran head coach.

“There are some whispers out there in the league tonight that the Knicks could circle back,” Johnson said. “They don’t really believe that it’s a firm no. There might be some wiggle room…the Bulls did initially deny permission because they are in love with the job Billy Donovan is doing for them.”

Donovan hasn’t had the best opportunity for success with Chicago. The roster built around Lonzo Ball, Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan dealt with multiple injury issues year after year. As such, Donovan may welcome the opportunity to take the hot seat for a contending team.

Furthermore, the Knicks could be an appealing spot due to the large media market and the fact that the fan base has been starved of success for so long. Furthermore, Donovan is a Long Island native, thus having ties to the city, which could also help endear him to the fanbase.

Chicago Recently Declined the Knicks’ Approach

New York’s initial approach for Donovan reportedly took place on Wednesday, June 11. The front office swiftly declined the Knicks’ request, which has become commonplace for the franchise since they released Tom Thibodeau from his coaching position.

“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. He has led the franchise for 400 regular-season games. During his time in Chicago, Donovan has amassed a 195-205 record, giving him a win percentage of .488%.

It would certainly be interesting to see how he dealt with the brighter lights and higher expectations that come with leading the Knicks.

Bulls Could Also Move Lonzo Ball

It would appear that Donovan isn’t the only member of the Bulls who could be on the move this summer.

In a recent mailbag episode of his “Buha’s Block” podcast, The Athletic’s Jovan Buha was asked whether the Los Angeles Lakers would consider bringing Ball back to his hometown. Buha postulated that a lot would depend on price, but he believes the Lakers would show some level of interest.

“I do, I think they would be,” Buha said. “It’s just a matter of what his price is and you have to factor in his health and the history there… you can’t even pencil him in for 60 games.”

As a rebuilding team, the Bulls must embrace the number of changes that will come their way. The Bulls may see moving on from Ball or Donovan as another opportunity to explore their options and find ways to improve.

However, given the Bulls quickly dismissed New York’s previous interest, it’s hard to envision Donovan going anywhere this summer.