The New York Knicks are in the middle of a first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks, but their coaching situation is already drawing attention from around the league. Mike Brown is on the hot seat, and a familiar name just became available.
ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, speaking on 104.3 The Score’s Mully & Haugh Show, said Billy Donovan’s name will be involved in coaching searches depending on how the playoffs shake out. Donovan stepped away from the Chicago Bulls after six seasons, wanting to give their new front office a clean start, and he did so entirely on his own terms.
The Bulls had made it clear they wanted him back even after overhauling their front office, but Donovan held an option year on his contract and chose to walk away. And what makes this particularly interesting for Knicks fans is that New York already tried to get him once before.
Billy Donovan Already Turned Down the New York Knicks Once
GettyMike Brown, New York Knicks
Charania confirmed that Donovan had conversations with Bulls ownership last summer but chose to honor his commitment. The Knicks came calling, and he said no.
“He could have had the New York Knicks job last summer. And his conversations with Michael and Jerry Reinsdorf basically led him to decide to stay, honor his commitment, honor his contract, and keep this going. And in season, he could have had the UNC job. But he never engaged with UNC, as many back-channel efforts as the program made for him.”
That is two separate opportunities Donovan passed on. The Knicks last summer. UNC mid-season. Both times, he stayed put. Now that he is finally free, the question of where he lands puts New York right back in the conversation.
Why Mike Brown’s Job Could Be in Danger After This Playoff Run
GettyKnicks Mike brown
Brown replaced Tom Thibodeau ahead of this season, becoming the 32nd head coach in Knicks history last July. He had a strong regular season, but the playoffs have been a different story so far.
In Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks, the Knicks blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead. Brown chose to open the final quarter with reserves Landry Shamet and Mitchell Robinson instead of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, and Atlanta came all the way back to steal the game.
Owner James Dolan has made it clear this season is championship-or-bust, so anything short of a deep run puts Brown’s future in serious question.
Charania stopped short of naming the Knicks as a specific destination for Donovan, but he did mention New York as one of the situations “that could arise” depending on how things unfold around the league. The series against Atlanta is still very much alive, and a lot can change over the next few weeks. But if Brown’s tenure ends when the Knicks do, Donovan is a name New York will circle fast.
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