Oklahoma City and Billy Donovan Agree to Part Ways

The Oklahoma City Thunder and head coach, Billy Donovan, have “mutually” agreed to part ways. The team released a statement this evening:

Billy Donovan’s contract expired at the end of the season and the two sides did not feel that they should negotiate an extension. The Thunder felt that it was necessary to move on from Donovan in order to fully rebuild the team.

Donovan placed third place in Coach of the Year voting this season after the Thunder surprised the NBA world by placing fifth in the west.

Donovan will likely be in discussions for some of the open coaching jobs in Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Indiana.

In the last four seasons Oklahoma City, the Thunder lost in the first-round in all four playoffs. Donovan’s record with Oklahoma City was 243-157 (.608).

The Thunder will look to build around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Darius Bazley, Lu Dort, and future draft picks in order to create a championship caliber team.