The Thunder now has staff decisions to make. Last season, Monty Williams (wife’s death) and Maurice Cheeks (hip surgery) were both out simultaneously, and Oklahoma City Blue head coach Mark Daigneault joined the team for the remainder of the season. But Daigneault clinched a division title with the D-League team last week and is in preparation for the D-League playoffs which start April 4.

Donovan said he doesn’t think the Thunder needs to add a coach with eight games to go, and that he’s comfortable with the staff currently in place. Grant’s day-to-day responsibilities such as scouting could be delegated among the current staff members.

The Thunder could also pick up the assistant coaching search in the offseason when there’s more time to interview candidates, and more candidates on the market. Current head coaches could be on hot seat with their respective franchises, such as former Thunder guard Earl Watson in Phoenix. The Thunder has a history of bringing former players into the coaching staff. Assistant coach Royal Ivey started as a D-League assistant in 2014, and has been promoted each season since.

At Dayton, Grant has a lot on his plate, from hiring a staff to recruiting. Thus, Donovan fully expects him to move on to his new responsibilities instead of finishing the season with the Thunder.