In the short time that Michael Malone has been in charge at North Carolina, he's been on his grind helping build out the roster. Things have been highlighted by Terrence Brown and 5-star Sayon Keita committing, while the other pledges have been great to see too.
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Do we really think had Carolina waited on Billy Donovan to make a decision, things would be the same for the Tar Heels? No chance, as Donovan reportedly had interest, but he wanted to mull things over after Chicago's season ended.
He's since parted ways with the Bulls, but he's been linked with the Magic. Now, word is spreading that he may wait and see what happens with the Knicks, as he could have interest in that job if it opens up. This tells us Donovan's heart was always on taking over another NBA squad and that Carolina was right to pivot to Malone and get things done with him:
The Magic’s top head coach target is Billy Donovan.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 4, 2026
While Orlando will make an aggressive push after firing Jamahl Mosley, Donovan could stall another week or two to see how the Knicks do in the next round.
Orlando and New York appear to be Donovan’s preferred landing spots. pic.twitter.com/nWCiRu4roV
Billy Donovan is rumored to be eyeing both the Knicks and Magic
For now, the Knicks have Mike Brown as head coach, but there's been speculation he could be on his way out soon. New York is currently in the Eastern Conference semifinals vs. Philly, opening the series up with a head-turning win.
As for the Tar Heels, Malone indeed has been working overtime, which included a recent trip to Europe to go after some of his top targets. That trip resulted in Keita committing to Carolina, as the stud FC Barcelona center will look to make an immediate impact.
Senegalese big man Mouhamed Faye is another top target overseas, but there's worry he could end up elsewhere - North Carolina is yet to receive a pledge from him and there was optimism Malone would have gotten that done while meeting with him and his team in person.
Alas, that didn't happen and the hope is a team like St. John's won't come in and swoop him away. Even if that does happen, Malone is putting together a solid squad for next campaign and things will be made even better if some more key pieces come into play. Donovan would have been a dream hire, but if his heart was with the NBA, then we can't blame him for that. And absolutely no one can blame UNC for going after Malone as a result too.
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