The Chicago Bulls and Billy Donovan are heading towards a break up

If the Bulls enter tank mode, Donovan would not be the right fit

Donovan would have to readjust his style and approach to coaching. If Chicago decides to punt this year and try to build for the future, it his hard-pressed that Donovan would sit idly by, with his resume, and accept losing as part of the process. At 60 years old, Donovan is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. Patience is preached in the rebuilding process, but would Donovan embrace the younger core over the veterans? If he did, it would be a distinct change in his style.

Donovan already moved on from a rebuild situation 

Donovan resisted a rebuild in Oklahoma City, which led him to his position in Chicago. In July 2021, Paul George was traded, which represented the Thunder’s intention to go to a full rebuild. In September 2021, Billy Donovan was signed to be the Bulls' next head coach. Donovan was the first puzzle piece of the new front office’s attempt to build a competitive team. In the next calendar year the Bulls surrounded Zach LaVine with Vuceivic, DeRozan, Caruso and Ball. The Bulls wasted little time in trying to give a team Donovan could compete with. If he would return, the cupboard would look much different.

In retrospect, Donovan might think his move from OKC was shortsighted and would be more accepting to coaching a team in the rebuilding process. The Thunder have worked their rebuilding process to almost perfection and are a legitimate contender for an NBA Championship next season. Many rebuilding situations are not that lucky. Rebuilding can be painful and there is no guarantee that there will be success. Is that how Donovan would want to end his career?

He may already have other plans...