Dusty May Draws Interest From Multiple NBA Teams as Magic Search Begins
May coached Michigan to the national title in April.
The reigning national champions could be in the market for a new coach. As the NBA coaching carousel takes shape, Michigan’s Dusty May has emerged as a potential target for multiple franchises. On Monday, the Magic fired Jamahl Mosley, a day after the team blew a 3–1 lead against the top-seeded Pistons in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
It was the Magic’s third first-round exit under Mosley. Throughout the season, Mosley’s job security was called into question as the Magic underachieved despite a talented young core led by Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, and the Wagner brothers. May had been tied to the Magic job before it opened, with Front Office Sports previously reporting there was mutual interest between the two parties.
Multiple league sources reiterated that interest on Monday, with one adding that May could also be a candidate for the Warriors if Steve Kerr elects not to return for a 13th season with Golden State. Kerr had his second meeting in as many weeks with Warriors brass on Monday, but has yet to decide if he will continue to coach the franchise he’s won four championships with. Billy Donovan and former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau are other candidates interested in the Orlando job, according to league sources.
Donovan agreed to coach the Magic in June 2007, but stepped down days later after having a change of heart. The Athletic reported that Donovan’s past history with the franchise can help or hurt his candidacy. Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman met with reporters on Monday after Mosley’s firing and didn’t tip his hand with what he was looking for in his next coach.