Billy Donovan: Latest News, Speculation Surrounding Florida Coach's NBA Future

Billy Donovan's time as head coach of the Florida Gators may be coming to an end very soon, as the 49-year-old is reportedly heading to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Continue for updates. 

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Donovan, Thunder Reportedly 'Done Deal'

Thursday, April 30

Pete Thamel of Sports Illustrated reported that industry sources told him Donovan to Oklahoma City was "a done deal." Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun confirmed that report. 

Earlier in the day, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported that Donovan and the Thunder are finalizing an agreement.

ESPN's Marc Stein reported on Wednesday that Donovan and the Thunder were very close to an agreement that could be announced as early as Thursday or Friday. 

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Goodman: Donovan Expected to Take Thunder Job if Offered

Friday, April 24

Jeff Goodman of ESPN reported that Donovan is wisely expected to accept an offer to be the Oklahoma City Thunder's head coach, if he's offered the position.

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Former Florida Star Says Donovan Will Be in NBA

Friday, April 17

Bradley Beal, who is currently a star for the Washington Wizards after playing at Florida for Donovan in 2011-12, recently did an interview on The Dan Patrick Show Friday saying he believes his former college coach will make the jump (via Dan Feldman of Pro Basketball Talk): "I agree with the rumors. I think he’ll definitely leave."

The rumors Beal refers to started earlier this month with ESPN's Marc Stein reporting the expectation with his sources was Donovan would leave the Gators:

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There is a growing sense among NBA executives that Florida Gators coach Billy Donovan is looking to making the jump to the NBA more than ever before, according to league sources.

Sources told ESPN.com that Donovan is poised to draw interest from multiple NBA teams this offseason and is increasingly prepared to listen to those pitches after the Gators endured a 16-17 season in which they failed to qualify for postseason play for just the second time in Donovan's nearly two decades in Gainesville.

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Donovan's had a unique relationship with the NBA. In June 2007, after leading Florida to a second straight national title, he took the head coaching job in Orlando. Days after agreeing to the deal, he opted against the move, and Magic personnel let him out of the contract. 

Now, coming off of a disappointing season at Florida and having to play in the same conference with Kentucky, landing the best recruits every year, Donovan may be ready to make a permanent move to the NBA. His track record of success in college should make him one of the hottest commodities for potential vacancies.