One way or another, Kiwi centre Steven Adams will have a new coach next season, with confirmation that Billy Donovan has left Oklahoma City Thunder.
Donovan's contract expired at the end of this season - his fifth with the franchise - and both parties have agreed not to pursue an extension.
Oklahoma City was Donovan's first NBA job, after 19 years at University of Florida, which he developed into an NCAA power and two-time national champion.
He was a finalist for the NBA's Coach of the Year award this season, after unexpectedly leading an overhauled squad to fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, where they pushed Houston Rockets to a seven-game series before losing.
Over the past five seasons, Donovan has led the team to a 243-157 record and playoff appearances in each season at the helm, but the last four campaigns have ended with first-round losses.
“I have a great respect and admiration for the players I coached in Oklahoma," Donovan says. "And I also want to thank the coaches I worked with, who gave unbelievable time and expertise to our common goal."
General manager Sam Presti says Donovan's vision for the franchise had differed with their own long-term outlook.
"We had planned to sit down at the end of the season and discuss the best way to move forward for both of us," Presti says.
"After those discussions, it became apparent that we couldn’t provide him the information on the future direction of the team over the next several seasons to give him the level of clarity that he understandably desires at this stage of his career."
After the loss of All-Star guard Russell Westbrook to Houston, the Thunder probably over-achieved this season, but their latest playoff exit has already triggered speculation that Adams and other veterans will become available on the trade market, as they rebuild their roster.
