While the Oklahoma City Thunder press release Tuesday said the team and Billy Donovan “mutually agreed” to part ways, it seems as though the Thunder did have some interest in bringing him back as head coach.
Before the NBA restart, the Thunder offered Donovan a contract that had two guaranteed seasons, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Charania said that when Donovan did not agree to that contract, the parties agreed to table discussions until the end of the season.
In a July press conference, general manager Sam Presti said something similar, though he did not specify that a contract had already been offered. Instead, he said they were waiting until the end of the season to discuss an extension.
When they finally met after the season, it sounded like both sides knew their time together was coming to an end. Presti brought beer to the meeting to reminisce about the five years Donovan served as head coach.
On Tuesday, the Thunder announced that Donovan would not return to the team. In a statement, Presti said Oklahoma City could not provide Donovan with “clarity” on the direction the team was headed.
From here, Oklahoma City will look for a new head coach. Donovan has already reportedly gained interest from the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers.
