Billy Donovan could earn contract extension with strong playoff performance

The Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be committed to Billy Donovan at least into next season, but the head coach could earn even more job security if his team impresses in the postseason this year.

Donovan had the fifth-year option on his contract picked up by the Thunder on Monday, and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski noted that Thunder Executive VP and GM Sam Presti considered the decision “largely a formality.” The real goal for Donovan will be to get more years tacked onto his contract, which is something that could happen if OKC has a strong showing in the playoffs.

The Thunder are off to an 18-10 start this year despite Russell Westbrook missing the start of the season with an injury, and they have reached the playoffs in each of Donovan’s first three seasons with the team. However, they were bounced in the first round the last two years, so they may need to advance beyond that for Donovan to convince the team he is worthy of an extension.

Donovan was criticized by Kevin Durant on social media last year, though the Golden State Warriors star later apologized. If Durant does have a negative opinion of his former coach, it does not sound like it is shared among the team’s executives.