Introduction to the Bulls’ Offseason
The Bulls keep winning. More specifically, executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas continues winning. Not one game has been played by the suit or his team since mid-April, not one player on the roster added or gone, not a single draft pick made, but Karnisovas has kicked up his legs, thrown his arms behind his head, and is basking in the sun of offseason misfortune around him. Not his, and definitely no sunscreen necessary.
Recent Events in the Eastern Conference
First, Karnisovas watched the supposed up-and-coming Eastern Conference powerhouse in Cleveland fall in the postseason and get exposed by a style of play the Bulls feel like they can play. Then the dynasty that never was in Boston also came up short, not only losing to New York in the second round, but will be without All-NBA wing Jayson Tatum (ruptured Achilles) most of next season.
The Draft Lottery and Its Implications
The draft lottery was a gut-punch for Karnisovas, especially seeing Dallas defy the odds and go from No. 11 to No. 1 overall, but once the smoke cleared the Bulls can sleep better at night knowing that projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and No. 2 pick Dylan Harper are headed West, with Dallas and San Antonio on the clock for those top picks, respectively. Let that conference deal with those headaches.
Frontcourt Help in the Draft
Meanwhile, the Bulls need frontcourt help in the draft, and the latest intel has help sliding their way, whether that’s Maryland big man Derik Queen, South Carolina defensive stopper Collin Murray-Boyles or Georgia rim-runner Asa Newell.
Coaching Changes and Their Impact
Then the latest shoe dropped earlier this week, as the Knicks reverted back to the clown show of an organization they were pre-2020, making the decision to part ways with coach Tom Thibodeau. No big deal as far as the Bulls were concerned? Not exactly true considering Thibodeau has made it a point to remind his former organization who they fired over a decade ago, posting a 15-8 record against the Bulls since his dismissal.
Upcoming Challenges for Karnisovas
Even with a lot breaking his way, however, that doesn’t mean Karnisovas won’t have work to do, especially if he does want to continue flipping the roster while staying competitive. A curious choice considering the 2025 and ’26 draft classes, but the path the executive refuses to stray off. Considering the Bulls have $135 million committed to next year’s cap, but also have a free agent hold of $25.1 million for Josh Giddey’s contract and their first-round pick in a few weeks, there’s not much room to play with as far as the shopping bin.
Trade Possibilities
Not a real issue since Karnisovas has leaned on the trade route more often the last few seasons. That won’t change as Nikola Vucevic, Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, Ayo Dosunmu, and Coby White are each heading into expiring contracts and will entertain at least discussions from Karnisovas.
Daniel Gafford Returns to the Bulls
Daniel Gafford returns to the Bulls – Gafford has been rumored to be on the move this summer, and the Sun-Times reported last month that Bulls guard Lonzo Ball would fit what Dallas is looking to add with Kyrie Irving’s 2025-26 campaign filled with uncertainty after his March ACL surgery. If the Bulls go best available player in the draft and it’s a guard they still lack an athletic rim-runner that can improve their rim protection. Gafford would change that, and is an expiring contract that fits the current timeline. Ball, who is signed for $10 million next season with a team option for the year after that, gives Dallas time to bring Irving back. The kicker in the deal could be Jevon Carter’s player option contract, cleaning that off the Bulls’ books.
Jonathan Kuminga Finally a Bull
Jonathan Kuminga finally a Bull – Kuminga has been a Bulls rumor for months now, but how exactly could Karnisovas land the restricted free agent? It would have to come through a sign-and-trade with Golden State sending the 22-year-old forward to Chicago and getting back a package of Vucevic, Ball and likely a protected first-round pick.
A Big Swing Named Zion
A big swing named Zion – The Pelicans are finding out that Zion Williamson continues to be more headache than roster centerpiece. Obviously the latest legal allegations are a concern, but if it clears would New Orleans be willing to finally give up on Williamson? A package of White and Vucevic could get it done at this point.
Conclusion
The Bulls’ offseason has been solid so far, with Karnisovas making the most of the misfortunes of other teams in the Eastern Conference. While there are challenges ahead, the team is well-positioned to make some noise in the upcoming season. With a mix of veteran players and young talent, the Bulls are looking to make a deep playoff run.
FAQs
Q: What has been the key to the Bulls’ successful offseason so far?
A: The key to the Bulls’ successful offseason has been the misfortunes of other teams in the Eastern Conference, which has given them an opportunity to make some savvy moves.
Q: Who are some potential trade targets for the Bulls?
A: Some potential trade targets for the Bulls include Daniel Gafford, Jonathan Kuminga, and Zion Williamson.
Q: What are the Bulls’ biggest challenges heading into the upcoming season?
A: The Bulls’ biggest challenges heading into the upcoming season are their limited cap space and the need to balance their roster with a mix of veteran players and young talent.
