The Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly are parting ways with head coach Billy Donovan after five seasons with the team.
Donovan’s contract was up at the end of the 2019-20 season. The Thunder have decided not to pursue an extension and will instead look for the team’s next head coach this offseason.
ESPN Sources: Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan won’t be returning to the Thunder next season. Donovan’s contract expired at season’s end and the sides have decided against pursuing an extension.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 9, 2020
Discussions between OKC management and Donovan were described as "collaborative" and "realistic." Donovan will become a significant coaching candidate in the NBA marketplace. https://t.co/Iq68Bdi7jr
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 9, 2020
The reality of Oklahoma City’s eventual transition toward a rebuild made it a challenge for the two sides to find a way to continue forward together, sources said. https://t.co/gKRsM7jYle
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 9, 2020
Donovan was hired prior to the 2015-16 season and led the Thunder to five consecutive playoff appearances.
After trading away Russell Westbrook and Paul George this past offseason, the Thunder seemed destined for a rebuilding year.
However, under Donovan’s leadership, Oklahoma City went 44-28 and made it to Game 7 in its first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
Still, the Thunder have not made it past the first round of the playoffs in the past four seasons.
Oklahoma City was 243-157 in the regular season with Donovan as its head coach and 18-23 in the postseason.
