The New York Knicks have struck out swinging once again.
Over the past two weeks, the Knicks have tried to chase several currently employed candidates for their head coaching vacancy. New York has been tied to multiple high-profile names, such as the Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd and the Houston Rockets’ Ime Udoka. However, the Knicks’ requests to interview both candidates have since been denied.
Add the Knicks’ pursuit of Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan to the team’s growing list of rejections. Several reporters have linked Donovan to New York throughout the week.
On Friday, Chicago Sports Network’s KC Johnson and SNY’s Ian Begley confirmed that Donovan has been completely ruled out for as a candidate.
As @KCJHoop said earlier, Billy Donovan has been fully ruled out as a Knick candidate. He’s not leaving Bulls https://t.co/huAkfKhbOu
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 14, 2025
Donovan has been the Bulls’ head coach since the 2020-21 campaign. In his five seasons at the helm, Donovan has led Chicago to a 195-205 record with just one playoff appearance, a first-round exit against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022.
After multiple denied interview requests, the Knicks have reportedly set their sights on an untethered candidate.
Between looking for a head coach and the team’s rumored pursuit of Kevin Durant, this offseason is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in Knicks history.
