For Carlesimo, an exit from the newly-monikered Thunder was nigh on inevitable. He came into a horrible situation when he was named as head coach of the then Seattle Sonics, 16 months ago, a franchise riddled with uncertainty off the court ahead of its relocation to Oklahoma, and underpinned by youth rather than experience on it.
Having served as an assistant in San Antonio for five years - as close as the transitory world of the NBA comes to stability - Carlesimo could have taken the easy option and remained at Gregg Popovich's right hand, rather than leaping into the abyss for a third crack at the (usually) thankless task of being The Man rather than just a No2.
Jordan, despite leading the Wizards to four consecutive playoffs (and making them relevant again in DC), was a mere victim of misfortune. Having to rely on kids to fill-in for grown-ups, he should have had more time. But there are no rules in this side of the game.
But don't weep for PJ or Eddie. Don't fear for their future or lose sleep, worrying that they might not recover. They won't rest idle long. The next pay cheque will arrive, sooner rather than later. Because, inevitably, the NBA famiglia takes care of its own.
In this club, once you're in, and have acquired some semblance of lustre, there'll be a welcome, some place. The basketball bench business is a nepotistic world where informal dynasties are spawned, mentors look out for their pupils, debts are accumulated and favours called in.
Of the 28 (non-interim) head coaching incumbents, only 10 are enjoying their first crack at the top job. The same number are having their second shot at the gig and Larry Brown, somewhat greedily, is on his ninth. Plenty of discarded chiefs are awaiting the carousel's next spin.
So Jordan could be reunited with former cohort Byron Scott in New Orleans once the terms of his separation are finalised. And even if Popovich cannot create a vacancy to bring Carlesimo back, Mike Brown – another Pop disciple – may find some room. If not in Cleveland, the door will open. It always does.
And so it should for Carlesimo, one of the finest instructors in the game, someone who visibly enjoys instilling knowledge as much as its acquisition. He's always been approachable, even just to explain a minor point or emphasis. Maybe that's his problem. Put him in charge, and he evolves from a teacher into a tyrant, and the listening stops.
Yet in truth, no-one – not a Red or a Phil or a Riles – could have done much more than him in Oklahoma City. The Thunder's three core performers are all under 22, proficient offensively but not quite there yet at the other end. They've had to pack their trunks and relocate from a city that exemplifies the future of America to one associated with its wild past. Times have been tough but someone has to be accountable for their lethargy thus far. It costs less to pay off one than 15.
Carlesimo isn't the first to find that the firing line is an uncomfortable situ. There's a gulf between being the one with the job of helping it happen and the responsibility of making it happen. For every Phil Jackson, there's a Jim Cleamons. For each Hubie Brown, a Ron Rothstein. Even with Sir Alex, a Brian Kidd. There is no such thing as greatness acquired by association.
Looking around the NBA, plenty of hot seats remain. Remember last year, when Marc Iavaroni was the most prized assistant to step up, leaving Mike D'Antoni's staff to move to Memphis? As the Grizzlies stumbled, there was talk he wouldn't survive the summer. He still might not make it to Christmas. If that happens, a summons to the Knicks may be the best Yuletide gift he could wish for.
Like Carlesimo and Jordan, he can feel confident of keeping a roof over his head. It's rare that there's no second chance. Or third. Or more. John Calipari, Tim Floyd and Leonard Hamilton all came out of the college ranks and were summarily dispatched back with reputation sullied. Jerry Tarkanian, who took UNLV to a college championship, lasted just 20 games with San Antonio and was done with the NBA. Their crime? No prior connections on the inside of the mafia, no-one to put in a word.
Jordan will be high on the interview list next time a head coaching vacancy arises. Carlesimo, having had previously messy exits from Portland and Golden State, may not be in such demand. If nothing else, he is better off away from the Thunder. The ranks will close protectively around him and eventually offer him a seat on a bench more OK than OKC.
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