This is a very interesting story to me. Even though Billy Donovan has had a great time in Florida. Back to back National Championships in 05 and 06. He’s had a great run there. But it’s clear that he’s always wanted a gig in the NBA. We all know about the Orlando Magic incident where he bailed on being the head coach of the Magic. But now after all that, Donovan has raised interest once again.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, Billy Donovan is eyeing up a gig in the pros despite re-signing with the Gators.
Sources told ESPN.com that Donovan is poised to draw interest from multiple NBA teams this offseason and is increasingly prepared to listen to those pitches after the Gators endured a 16-17 season in which they failed to qualify for postseason play for just the second time in Donovan’s nearly two decades in Gainesville.
Donovan recently agreed to a one-year contract extension to stay with the Gators through the 2020 season, according to multiple media reports, but the contract contains a buyout for a mere $500,000 if an NBA opportunity arises.
The extension is not regarded as an impediment to Donovan’s pursuit of NBA jobs if he wishes.
And the growing feeling in NBA circles is that Donovan — who rejected serious overtures in the 2014 offseason from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers — is prepared to make the move this offseason if the “right” opportunity arises.
Now Donovan in Cleveland would’ve been interesting. I think that him and LeBron would be a great team. Now there are a few jobs in the NBA that he could (and maybe should) take. But considering that Florida is a football school, he’s really made a worthy program that is Gators basketball.
