The Chicago Bulls are entering a pivotal offseason, and the search for their next leader is already underway with a clear condition. Team CEO and President Michael Reinsdorf, who parted ways with head of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas this week, made it clear on Tuesday that any candidate for the top front-office job must be fully committed to keeping Billy Donovan as head coach.

This directive from ownership places Donovan's future at the heart of the Bulls' new direction. Reinsdorf is framing the retention of the experienced coach not as an option, but as a major requirement for the incoming executive. It's a significant move that signals stability on the bench while the front office undergoes a transformation.

For Bulls fans and the organization, this decision aims to provide continuity during a period of change. The next GM will be tasked with building a competitive roster, but they'll have to do it with Donovan's system and philosophy in mind from day one. As the search begins, the message from the top is unmistakable: Billy Donovan is staying put.