Central Division Roundup: Donovan’s Uncertain Future, Bulls’ Draft Plans, Cavaliers’ High Stakes, Bucks’ Off-Season Questions, Gores’ Letter to Fans
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Chicago, IL — Head coach Billy Donovan’s status with the Bulls remains unclear after last week’s dismissal of top executives Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that, before the firings, there was an estimated 90% chance Donovan would leave. With the front office vacancies, those odds have dropped to roughly 49%.
The same report notes long-standing concerns about the former executives’ talent evaluation, pointing to the 2020 NBA Draft. Karnišovas selected Patrick Williams fourth overall despite internal support for Tyrese Haliburton, who has since earned two All-NBA honors and reached within one win of an NBA title.
Bulls eye second mid-first-round pick
In a separate Sun-Times story, possible targets for Chicago’s newly secured first-round pick from Portland (projected at No. 15 or No. 16) include UConn guard Braylon Mullins, Michigan center Aday Mara, and Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance.
Cavaliers face make-or-break postseason
Cleveland.com writes that the Cavaliers may consider sweeping organizational or roster changes if they fail to reach the Eastern Conference finals. Cleveland spent more on player salaries in 2025-26 than any other NBA team.
Bucks’ summer priorities
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel outlines key off-season issues for Milwaukee: ownership’s commitment to Giannis Antetokounmpo, the search for a new head coach, and capitalizing on the franchise’s first lottery pick since 2016.
Pistons owner thanks loyal supporters
Pistons owner Tom Gores issued a public letter Tuesday, praising fans for enduring a rebuild that produced five straight seasons of 14-23 wins, including a franchise-worst 14-68 record in 2023-24. Gores called the ongoing project “one of the great comeback stories in sports.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
