Billy Donovan and Josh Giddey
Getty
Billy Donovan and Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls.
The Chicago Bulls are set to miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season. They are not going to qualify for the NBA Play-In Tournament and will head toward the lottery. It seems like the Bulls are heading for a massive change this summer.
The Bulls had a promising start to the campaign, winning their first five games. They were in the play-in spots for the majority of the season before an abysmal February, when they didn’t win any games.
Chicago had a 0-11 record that month, which also included a 1-14 record dating back to January 26 until the end of February. They snapped their 11-game losing streak to start March. They have since recorded wins over the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets.
Coach Billy Donovan Out in Chicago?
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas is running out of people to blame for the franchise’s misfortunes.
While Billy Donovan has only led the Bulls to one playoff appearance since taking over as coach in 2020, he could be taking a break from basketball anyway.
“Coach Billy Donovan might not be an option,” Cowley wrote. “There’s been growing momentum around the building that Donovan could step away from the mess and take a season to re-evaluate what he wants from the profession.”
Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan during an NBA game.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 29: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at the United Center on December 29, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Cowley added that it has nothing to do with basketball since Donovan lost a couple of family members in a span of weeks, including his father, Bill Sr.
“It would make sense considering how emotional the year has been for the Hall of Famer, losing both his father and mother-in-law within weeks of each other.”
Before the start of the season, Donovan signed a multi-year extension to remain in charge of the Bulls. However, a couple of losses in his life, and the franchise being at a crossroads, could make him rethink what he wants to do next.
Cowley clarified that Donovan isn’t done with coaching, but he’d likely take a better opportunity if it presented itself.
Bulls Could Have 2 First-Round Picks This Year
Based on their current position, the Bulls are likely getting a Top 10 pick in this year’s draft. They will need to get lucky if they can land a pick in the Top 5, which could give them a generational talent.
This year’s class is full of really good prospects like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson, Cameron Boozer and Darius Acuff Jr. The Bulls could land another first-round pick if the Portland Trail Blazers make the playoffs. The Blazers are slated to be in the NBA Play-In Tournament and would need to win at least two games to get the No. 8 seed.
According to NBA.com’s Sam Smith, the Bulls would be lucky to have a top pick since Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis are not franchise players. They are still considered cornerstones, but they need a game-changing talent.