Bulls rumors: NBA insiders baffled by Michael Reinsdorf’s Billy Donovan mandate

After the Chicago Bulls got rid of VP Arturas Karnisovas and GM Marc Evensely, one would think that the shake-up would trickle down. In other words, the Bulls would relieve Billy Donovan of his head coaching duties and look elsewhere.

However, it appears that owner Michael Reinsdorf is adamant about keeping Donovan. Next Monday, Donovan will meet with ownership, per K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Sports Network, after the regular season concludes.

But Reinsdorf has already stated he wants to keep Donovan as head coach.

All of which has startled some NBA insiders, particularly David Kaplan of ESPN 1000 in Chicago.

“After speaking w/several in the NBA I don’t understand the Bulls GM process,” Kaplan posted on X, formerly Twitter. “I am a big fan of Billy Donovan. But, if you are hiring a new GM you HAVE to allow him to hire who HE wants. Otherwise you are not empowering real change.”

After speaking w/several in the NBA I don't understand the Bulls GM process. I am a big fan of Billy Donovan. But, if you are hiring a new GM you HAVE to allow him to hire who HE wants. Otherwise you are not empowering real change.

— David Kaplan (@thekapman) April 8, 2026

The question begs. If the Bulls are looking to charter a new course at the top, why not allow for the eventual new GM to do what they do?

Donovan, AK, and Evensely have been with Chicago since 2020. Since then, they compiled only one winning season, 46-36 in the 2021-22 season. Ultimately, Chicago would lose to the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round in five games.

Furthermore, the Bulls have seen core players traded away, inconsistent play, barely notching 40 wins in a season, and injuries.

Currently, Chicago is 30-49 with three games left in the regular season. This offseason is surely expected to be one of the most critical in recent memory.

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