Being asked to change his style and develop young players definitely played a role in why D'Antoni left Phoenix. He felt like he wasn't being respected. Chicago was asking D'Antoni to do some of the same things Phoenix was. Walsh negotiated with no expectations for change and that is why D'Antoni signed in NY. The contracts were reported to be very close. The Bulls also thought that they were still negotiating. The Bulls underestimated how offended D'Antoni becomes when expectations of coaching defense and developing players are a part of the negotiating process.