Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf just spent the NBA hiatus – at least if you looked beyond “The Last Dance” itself – getting dragged for not spending enough to give Michael Jordan another year of title contention in Chicago.
Paying to hire Billy Donovan is a way for Reinsdorf and the Bulls to repair their reputations.
Shams Charania of The Athletic:
Terms on Billy Donovan's Chicago Bulls head coaching deal: Four years and $24 million-plus, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 24, 2020
I’d be surprised if all four years are fully guaranteed. Coaching contracts of this length usually contain a team option or two.
But that’s still a hefty salary. Especially in these times. Especially considering it was believed the Bulls would keep Jim Boylen for financial reasons.
Donovan left the Thunder despite them offering him a new contract. He likely knew he could get more elsewhere.
Credit Chicago for being the team to spend. The Bulls needed a solid coach after Boylen and Fred Hoiberg.
Donovan won’t solve all Chicago’s problems, but he should help on multiple fronts. This upgrade costs nothing but Reinsdorf’s money, which every Chicago fan is perfectly willing to spend.
