Introduction to the Bulls’ Offseason
Wins haven’t been easy to come by during this NBA postseason. In the case of the play-in-game-losing Bulls, they haven’t come at all. But Bulls executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas should be feeling pretty good about the Eastern Conference’s suddenly shaky landscape.
Matters of Fact
Here are the facts and what could be nothing more than fiction:
Fact: The Celtics could look different with Jayson Tatum missing most or all of the 2025-26 season after rupturing his Achilles and new ownership looking to shed second-apron salary.
In all likelihood, Jaylen Brown will move into the 1A role — not a big change because he’s basically a 1B — and Jrue Holiday will be shopped. Al Horford, Luke Kornet and Torrey Craig are free agents, while Kristaps Porzingis will be on an expiring contract.
Boston will be entering the offseason with $231 million in salary (almost $100 million more than the Bulls) and a $263 million tax penalty, and for every $3 million spent on a player, it will cost them an eye-opening $25 million in additional tax penalties. Considering they only hung one banner from the rafters with this group, the juice is no longer worth the squeeze.
Karnisovas can expect the No. 2 seed in the East to take a step back, but even so, they still have a better foundation than the Bulls.
Analyzing the Celtics’ Situation
The Celtics’ financial situation is a significant factor in their potential rebuild. With a high salary cap and tax penalties, they may be forced to make some tough decisions about their roster.
Matters of Fiction
Fiction: Giannis Antetokounmpo could very well be on the move from the Bucks, and the Bulls are a landing place for the 2021 Finals MVP.
That’s a punch line at best.
A source told the Sun-Times that Karnisovas and his front office would have offered anyone and everything on the roster had they been notified by the Mavericks that Luka Doncic was available in February, but even then, it wouldn’t have been better than what the Lakers gave the Mavericks.
It’s the same situation for Antetokounmpo.
If the Thunder or the Rockets want to add Antetokounmpo, they have better talent and draft assets than the Bulls.
The only benefit the Bulls would get out of a Giannis deal is to get him out of the East.
The Unlikelihood of Giannis Joining the Bulls
The idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Bulls is highly unlikely. The team lacks the necessary talent and draft assets to make a competitive offer.
Draft Implications
Fact: While the Bulls were one of the bigger losers in the draft lottery after failing to move up from No. 12, there was some good to come out of it. Specifically, the Mavs and Spurs landing the No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks, respectively. That means Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper will be headed to the already more talented Western Conference.
So where does that leave the Bulls? According to a source, Maryland big man Derik Queen is sliding but still isn’t on the Bulls’ radar because of growing concerns about his athletic ability and how that fits with Billy Donovan’s up-tempo pace. He’ll need a private workout with the Bulls to change minds.
The Bulls are zoning in on BYU’s Egor Demin, but they’re not alone. Demin — a suddenly hot name — could climb into the top 10.
The Bulls’ Draft Strategy
The Bulls’ draft strategy will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming season. They need to find a player who fits their up-tempo pace and can contribute immediately.
Comparisons to Other Teams
Fiction: The Pacers’ up-tempo and built-out roster gives Karnisovas reason to believe in his current model.
There is some truth to that, especially if Indiana makes it to the NBA Finals. But there’s also some serious delusion by Karnisovas if he thinks the Bulls can duplicate what the Pacers have done. Therein lies the fiction.
Yes, the Bulls’ roster is just like Indiana’s minus a two-time All-Star and third-team All-NBA guard in Tyrese Haliburton, a three-time All-Star and NBA champion in Pascal Siakam, an elite rim protector in Myles Turner and a top-10 three-point shooter in Aaron Nesmith (43.1% for the regular season).
Otherwise, they’re twinsies.
The Gap Between the Bulls and Pacers
The Bulls and Pacers may have similar playing styles, but the Pacers have a significant talent advantage. The Bulls would need to make significant roster changes to close the gap.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bulls’ offseason will be shaped by a combination of fact and fiction. While they may not be able to land a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, they can still make moves to improve their roster. The draft will be a crucial part of their strategy, and they need to find a player who fits their up-tempo pace. By being realistic about their chances and making smart moves, the Bulls can set themselves up for success in the upcoming season.
FAQs
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing the Bulls in the offseason?
A: The biggest challenge facing the Bulls is finding a way to improve their roster without having the necessary talent and draft assets to make a competitive offer for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Q: Who are the Bulls targeting in the draft?
A: The Bulls are zoning in on BYU’s Egor Demin, but they’re not alone. Demin — a suddenly hot name — could climb into the top 10.
Q: Can the Bulls duplicate the Pacers’ success?
A: It’s unlikely that the Bulls can duplicate the Pacers’ success without making significant roster changes. The Pacers have a significant talent advantage, and the Bulls would need to add players like Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and Aaron Nesmith to close the gap.
