Bulls, Billy Donovan Working On Contract Extension

The Chicago Bulls are in discussions to extend the contract of head coach Billy Donovan, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. The talks come shortly after the Bulls declined the New York Knicks’ request to interview Donovan for their head coaching vacancy.

Donovan has led the Bulls for five seasons, compiling a 195-205 record and guiding the team to a playoff appearance in 2022, where they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.

After moving on from veterans Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso before that, Chicago is undergoing a retooling effort aimed at staying competitive while reshaping the roster around youth.

Donovan remains the figurehead of that transition, with the Bulls banking on his leadership as they build around Coby White, rookie Matas Buzelis, and likely Josh Giddey, whose restricted free agency looms as a pivotal offseason decision.

The Bulls also face a choice regarding veteran center Nikola Vucevic. The 33-year-old has one season remaining on his contract and is coming off a strong year offensively, which could boost his value on the trade market.