The Chicago Bulls are entering NBA free agency teeming with cap space, and they are expected to be very active on the open market as a result.

Of course, just because the Bulls have some money available does not mean they will spend foolishly. Top executive Bryson Graham has made it clear that he has a vision for the team, and he has made it clear he wants a very certain type of roster built with specific players.

In particular, Graham wants to add long, athletic defenders, which was why he was so thrilled to get Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick of the NBA Draft. It’s also why many have had Josh Giddey tabbed as a trade candidate, but it looks like Chicago will be holding on to him for now.

As far as free agency is concerned, the Bulls need a whole lot, but they are reportedly interested in a player that fits Graham’s mold to the T: forward Jonathan Kuminga.

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer have revealed that Kuminga is on Chicago’s radar, but that the Bulls will face some heavy competition in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.

Chicago Bulls’ interest in Jonathan Kuminga is not surprising

Kuminga is a 6-foot-7, 225-pound versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and do it well, so it’s not at all surprising that Chicago has expressed interest in him. However, Kuminga is one of the more polarizing players available given his offensive inconsistency and his struggles when it comes to spreading the floor.

And, of course, his difficulty staying healthy.

The former No. 7 overall pick split the 2025-26 campaign between the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks, averaging 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds over 23.1 minuets per game on 46.3/33.3/72.4 shooting splits. He appeared in just 36 contests due to a knee injury.

The year prior, Kuminga played in 47 games with the Warriors, logging 15.3 points and 4.6 boards a night while shooting 45.4 percent from the floor and 30.5 percent from three-point range.

Kuminga’s questionable durability and less-than-stellar outside shooting are definitely red flags, but his potential is still clearly there. He could comprise a terrific fit for the Bulls, so we’ll see if Chicago is able to land him in the early stages of free agency.

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The Chicago Bulls took Caleb Wilson at No. 4 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft just about a week ago. Since then fans, experts, former players, etc have all raved about the selection, praising Wilson for his play.

The excitement surrounding Wilson is high and as Summer League approaches, it likely will continue to climb. Wilson’s draft class is a loaded one and while he went No. 4 overall, many believe he could be the best player when it’s all said and done. Now, sports card collectors are hoping to cash in on his potential success, even early.

Caleb Wilson card sets record days after he was drafted

The first set of NBA trading cards for the 2026-27 season won’t release for a while but when it does, it will be highly-sought after. That’s due to the draft class coming in with the big four as well as other potential star players. Among them is Wilson and already one of his cards has set a new personal record.

Wilson and other rookies appeared in the new Bowman U Chrome set that released earlier this spring. It gave collectors their first chance to chase these rookies. Collectors are seeking out these cards to add to their collections and potentially wall display cases for sports trading cards. But one card of Wilson’s just sold for close to $16,000 on eBay.

Per Sports Card Investor, a 2025 Bowman Sapphire Caleb Wilson Chrome Auto Padparadscha Refractor 1/1 sold for $15,900 on eBay.

A NEW RECORD for Caleb Wilson cards

This 2025 Bowman Sapphire Caleb Wilson Chrome Auto Padparadscha Refractor 1/1 just sold for $15.9K on eBay

His previous most expensive sale was $5,500 for one of his 1/1 2025 Bowman U Now Foilfractors pic.twitter.com/kgl6vmTVCz

— Sports Card Investor (@SportsCardInv) June 26, 2026

That broke the previous record sale of $5,500 for Wilson which was another 1/1 card in 2025 Bowman U. This card is especially cool because the there’s an inscription of “Go Heels” on it and with it being a 1/1, there’s not another in existence.

Wilson and the other rookies in this class will be popular in the card market and this price record will likely be broken when more sets release over time.

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The Chicago Bulls are in a rebuild as they decided to reshape their front office. With Bryson Graham in charge, Chicago is hoping to get back to being a contender in the Eastern Conference.

This year’s NBA Draft delivered the Bulls two first-round picks as they selected Caleb Wilson at No. 4 overall and then Dailyn Swain out of Texas at No. 15 overall. The hope is that the duo can contribute right away and be a staple in the Bulls’ lineup for years. But with the draft officially in the books, the next stage of the offseason is free agency.

Chicago already acquired Nic Claxton in a trade which ate up a chunk of their salary space. However, they are still in a good situation in terms of cap space to add to the roster. One need is a veteran who can shoot from all areas of the floor and the latest report suggests the Bulls are interested in a player who would fill that void.

Chicago Bulls interested in Norman Powell per report

As free agency is set to begin this week, the Bulls could take advantage of a situation another Eastern Conference team is in. Following the acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Miami Heat are in a tough cap spot. They likely won’t be able to afford veteran Norman Powell and a new report suggests the Bulls are going to be interested.

Michael Scott of HoopsHype mentions the Bulls as a team who are interested:

Following the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Miami Heat, there’s a growing consensus within league circles that All-Star guard Norman Powell won’t return to South Beach.

The Chicago Bulls are among the teams expected to have interest in Powell as free agency nears, league sources told HoopsHype. The 33-year-old guard is a career 39.6 percent 3-point shooter.

Powell is a veteran who would fill just what the Bulls need. Right now, looking at the roster, there isn’t a whole lot of perimeter shooting you can count on. By adding someone like Powell, he would fill that need whether short term or a multiple years.

He would also bring a locker room presence which could help a young roster.

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Bryson Graham got off to a great start as the new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. In his first draft, he drafted Caleb Wilson and Daylin Swain. In fact, Bill Simmons called the Bulls “The biggest winners” in the NBA Draft in his podcast with “The Ringer”.

When Simmons, who has been one of the most aggressive critics of the Chicago Bulls front office in the past, gives you props, you are doing something right. 

So when he and the new head coach, Tiago Splitter, made rounds to talk with local Chicago sports radio stations this week, Bulls fans were eager to hear a man who would lead a fresh chapter for the Chicago Bulls after years of drifting in the NBA’s middle lane.

Instead, one comment stood out above the rest, and not in the way the organization hoped.

Graham has preached patience, pointed to the San Antonio Spurs, noting that they missed the playoffs for six straight seasons before finally breaking through to reach the NBA Finals this season. His message had been clear since he took this job: patience is required. Development takes time, and the Bulls shouldn’t expect instant results.

On paper, it’s a reasonable stance. In practice, it’s exactly the kind of comment that lands poorly in Chicago.

Graham’s comment was also not well received by the hosts at 104.3 The Score, which also carries the Bulls’ games.

Would you take 6 seasons of losing in a rebuild from the ground up for an NBA Finals appearance in the 7th year with a young team?

That was the Spurs' path, as Bulls executive Bryson Graham mentioned to @mullyhaugh on Thursday.

"I don't want to wait that long," Mully says. pic.twitter.com/FkGuI9xd3L

— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) June 26, 2026

Was it an overreaction by the hosts at “The Score”? Perhaps. But the Bulls fans have already lived through their own version of “patience.” Not bad enough to bottom out, not bold enough to rebuild, not competent enough to contend. They’ve watched the front office cling to the middle, watched ownership avoid hard decisions, watched the roster stagnate.

That’s why Graham’s “SLAP” philosophy — Size, Length, Athleticism, Positional versatility — has given fans a reason to believe the Bulls are finally embracing a modern identity. Drafting Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain fits that vision. Both players are long, switchable, and full of upside. But both also need years of development, especially as shooters.

But pairing a long‑term roster strategy with a long‑term plea for patience is a risky combination for a franchise whose fanbase has grown apathetic. The Bulls fans aren’t angry anymore. They’re numb.

San Antonio earned patience through decades of competence under Gregg Popovich. They also have generational talent in Victor Wembanyama. Chicago has spent years burning itself through misaligned visions, inconsistent leadership, and a refusal to commit to a full rebuild.

That’s why Graham’s Spurs comparison feels like a preemptive excuse, even if that was not his intent. And you can’t fault the Bulls fans for being confused and frustrated before they played a single regular game.

After experiencing highs on the draft night, Graham is already learning how unforgiving Chicago can be when the message doesn’t match the moment.

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The Chicago Bulls have entered a new era with Bryson Graham as top executive and Tiago Splitter as new head coach, and they’ve already gotten off to a great start by snatching Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain in the NBA Draft.

Now, the Bulls will have to improve their roster in free agency and via trades. Fortunately, Chicago has the cap room to make big things happen, and the club is expected to be aggressive in the coming weeks.

But just who will the Bulls pursue with all of their available money?

Austin Reaves had been floated as a possibility, but he decided to re-up with the Los Angeles Lakers. Jarren Duren has been connected to Chicago incessantly, but the Detroit Pistons don’t seem to have any intention of letting him walk, and even if they did, is paying over $40 million annually for a big man who isn’t a great defender or playoff performer a wise idea?

Well, Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy has forged a rather creative idea for the Bulls, urging them to get involved in a three-team trade with the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers. In the process, they would come away with a pretty good player.

Chicago Bulls urged to swing a trade for Jerami Grant

The Celtics are looking to move Jaylen Brown, and the Blazers are reportedly interested. Hanlon believes Chicago could facilitate a three-team deal by absorbing the contract of Jerami Grant, who signed a five-year, $160 million pact with Portland back in June 2023.

Hanlon feels the Bulls would be able to add draft picks in the process.

“Acquiring Grant’s contract to close that gap and add picks would be a wise way to do it. And the Bulls could simply absorb the 32-year-old’s money, just like they did [Nic] Claxton’s; they wouldn’t need to move picks or players in any iteration of the deal,” Hanlon wrote.

Grant had a rather strong season with the Blazers in 2025-26, averaging 18.6 points and 3.5 rebounds over 29.7 minutes per game on 45.3/38.9/81.4 shooting splits. He is slated to earn $34.2 million next season and has a $36.4 million player option for the following year, so Chicago might be stuck with the 32-year-old for a couple of seasons.

But if the Bulls are able to get draft capital out of it, it wouldn’t be the worst idea.

The question is whether or not Chicago would want to use that much of its cap space on an aging veteran just to get more picks.

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The excitement around the Chicago Bulls is high right now, following the selections of Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain. With Bryson Graham taking over in charge of the front office, it’s officially a new era of Bulls basketball.

Both Wilson and Swain will be the faces of this rebuild, along with Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey. The task is to get the franchise back to the glory days and back in contention for an NBA title.

Specifically, the selection of Wilson has drawn a lot of praise for the Bulls. National and local media are praising the selection and just how good Wilson can be in terms of his NBA career. But as Wilson was introduced for the first time as a member of the Bulls, he sent a stern message to the rest of his rookie class.

Caleb Wilson has message for three NBA Draft picks ahead of him

During his introductory press conference, Wilson spoke on being the No. 4 overall pick. He went after AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer. And Wilson is remembering that he was taken after them despite playing well against all three.

“I played all of them. Meaning, you know what happened when I played them….and I get to play them in Summer League too,” Wilson said. “So, whatever needs to be done to prove that I’m on the same level, or that I’m better, I’ll do it.”

Caleb on being picked behind Boozer, AJ, DP

"I played all of them. Meaning, you know what happened when I played them….and I get to play them in Summer League too. So, whatever needs to be done to prove that I'm on the same level, or that I'm better, I'll do it." https://t.co/h5pQ0PE12C

— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) June 26, 2026

Wilson matched up against all three in his one season at North Carolina. He defeated Boozer and Peterson in regular season games but fell against Dybantsa in a exhibition game in the preseason.

This isn’t shocking to anyone who has followed Wilson, either. He finds motivation wherever he can, using his cellphone wallpaper and changing it to something that will make him remember when he was doubted. Wilson has a lot of confidence as well and he plans on using that to his advantage.

That should be a great thing for the Bulls and the future they have with Wilson.

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The Chicago Bulls are entering a pivotal summer in which they are absolutely loaded with cap space, and after putting together a terrific NBA Draft in which they landed both Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, they have a chance to make significant headway with their roster in free agency.

The Bulls still have major needs up and down their roster, so they should be interested in just about everyone at this point.

Would that include a potential reunion with Collin Sexton?

Chicago acquired Sexton at the trade deadline in a deal that sent Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets. Sexton played in 26 games with 10 starts in a Bulls uniform, averaging 17.5 points per game on very solid 48.2/41.0/82.2 shooting splits.

The 27-year-old is hitting free agency this July, and he should have a rather intriguing market given his ability as a microwave scorer he has displayed throughout his career. So should Chicago take a chance on re-signing Sexton?

Chicago Bulls receive interesting news on Collin Sexton

John Hollinger of The Athletic recently previewed the upcoming point guard market, and he ranked Sexton eighth among the available floor generals. He also provided a prediction on what he expects Sexton to receive.

“Sexton isn’t really a point guard and is too small and defensively suspect to start on the wing, but he can fill it up when he gets cooking. Sexton is a career 38.9 percent 3-point shooter who averaged over 30 points per 100 possessions for four different teams across eight seasons,” Hollinger wrote. “The full non-taxpayer MLE might be slightly aggressive for a bench microwave type, but a two-year deal between $25 million and $30 million would likely return value.”

Sexton is expected to generate interest from multiple contending teams throughout the NBA, with the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors already being named as potential landing spots for the University of Alabama product. However, he could prove too costly for some of those squads.

The Bulls, on the other hand, have plenty of money. Would they use any of it on Sexton, though?

Chicago has a bunch of young guards, led by Josh Giddey and also including Tre Jones, Rob Dillingham and recent addition Kam Jones. Sexton is still fairly youthful in his own right, but we pretty much know what he is at this point.

Sexton would still provide value for the Bulls, but they may decide to go in a different direction, especially under new executive Bryson Graham.

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It is a new era of Chicago Bulls basketball. After years of perennial disappointment, the team decided to hire Tiago Splitter as their new head coach. Splitter made a name for himself after taking over as the interim head coach of the Portland Trailblazers following Chanucey Billups’ arrest for leading an illegal gambling ring, and was one of the most coveted names on the coaching market this off-season.

Additionally, Chicago was fortunate enough to land the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. They used said pick on forward Caleb Wilson out of North Carolina. And he has his eyes set on mirroring another former Bulls lottery pick out the same university.

Chicago Bulls draft pick Caleb Wilson expects to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award

On Friday, Wilson was introduced to the Chicago media for the first time. During his interview, he stated he expects to accomplish something first done by Michael Jordan in Bulls history: win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

“I expect to have Rookie of the Year, honestly,” Wilson said. “I’m willing to work hard, I’m gonna do what it takes. I feel like the team is really good for me and how I envision to play. I know I’m a hard worker, so whatever I need to fix and work on throughout the season and before the season, I’m gonna work on it so I can be a great player.”

In addition to Jordan, only Elton Brand and Derrick Rose have taken home the prestigious award in franchise history.

In his only season of college basketball at North Carolina, Wilson averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.

More Chicago Bulls news from ChiCity Sports

• Bulls receive stern Josh Giddy warning amid rampant trade rumors
• The Bulls got their SLAP guys in the NBA Draft, now comes the hard part
• Caleb Wilson will see a familiar foe in Summer League opener

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bulls just completed the 2026 NBA Draft, ushering in a new era of basketball with excitement. But a few days later, they are making another important announcement.

The Bulls and the United Center today announced that Lukas and Samantha Walton have acquired a minority interest in both the Chicago Bulls and the United Center. The transaction involves the purchase of existing stakes from certain limited partners. The Reinsdorf family will continue to hold the controlling interest in the Bulls and remain steadfast in its long-term commitment to the organization.

Chicago Bulls announce ownership news

The Reinsdorf and Wirtz families will continue to hold the controlling interest in the United Center and The 1901 Project.

“We are pleased to welcome Lukas and Samantha, who share our deep-seated belief in Chicago and our commitment to the institutions that make this city strong,” said Michael Reinsdorf, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Bulls. “Together with our partners at the United Center, the Wirtz family, we are fully aligned in our vision for the Bulls, the United Center campus, and the future of the West Side.”

Lukas and Samantha Walton also expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership and the investment in Chicago’s West Side. “The Chicago Bulls are as iconic as the city itself, and this transaction reflects our dedication to the city’s future.

We have long admired the vision the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families have set forth for The 1901 Project, and we look forward to the United Center’s continued positive impact on Chicago’s West Side.”

“Our families have had the great pleasure of partnering in the development of the United Center over the last 30 years and we look forward to a bright future ahead,” said Danny Wirtz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Blackhawks and Wirtz Corporation.

BDT & MSD Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to the Reinsdorf family, the Wirtz family, and certain selling minority limited partners. Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP served as legal advisor to the Chicago Bulls. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP served as legal advisor to the Reinsdorf family. Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to the Wirtz family. Inner Circle Sports and Covington & Burling LLP served as financial and legal advisors to the Walton family, respectively.

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Heading into the NBA offseason, Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey was viewed as a prime trade candidate, especially with new top executive Bryson Graham taking over in the Windy City.

Giddey doesn’t seem to fit Graham’s style of strong, versatile defensive players, so the general consensus was that the Bulls would at least attempt to move the 23-year-old. But trade chatter around Giddey has largely subsided.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were rumored to be interested in the Australian star, but they just swung a blockbuster deal to acquire LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets, which rules them out as a destination for Giddey. The NBA Draft has also already come and gone, so it’s not like Chicago would be able to nab instant draft choices from other teams, either.

At this point, it’s looking more and more likely that Giddey will enter the 2026-27 campaign in a Bulls uniform. That could change by the trade deadline, of course, but for now, Chicago seems prepared to hold on to him.

In fact, Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston fired a warning to the Bulls in this regard, urging them not to jettison Giddey this summer.

Chicago Bulls receive strong Josh Giddey trade warning

Giddey is on a four-year, $100 million contract that runs through 2029, which is actually a pretty team-friendly deal for Chicago.

Beaston feels the simplicity of Giddey’s pact should make the Bulls feel a lot more comfortable with free agency on the horizon.

“Even with a cap hit of $25 million, the Bulls will have enough space to acquire free agents and build around Giddey without worrying that they need to shed payroll,” Beaston wrote. “Unless new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham can get an astronomical haul in return for the Australian player, one that would forever change the fortunes of the team for the better, keeping him to pair with first-round draft picks Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain is not only the right option, it is the only one.”

Giddey played in 54 games this past season, averaging 17 points, 9.1 assists and 8.3 rebounds over 32.1 minutes a night on 44.8/36.4/76.3 shooting splits. His numbers dipped as the campaign progressed, but he also dealt with some nagging injury issues that kept him sidelined for quite a bit of time.

Chicago acquired Giddey in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder back in June 2024, sending Alex Caruso to the Thunder in return.

Giddey is certainly not a top option on a championship contender, but he is a terrific supporting piece who could ultimately comprise an impressive trio with Wilson and Swain moving forward.

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The Chicago Bulls walked out of last night’s NBA Draft with something they haven’t had in years: a clear philosophical throughline. By selecting North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson at No. 4 and Texas’ Dailyn Swain at No. 15, the Bulls doubled down on Bryson Graham’s emerging “SLAP” identity.

Both prospects fit the blueprint. Both represent the kind of modern, switchable, high-ceiling players the Bulls have lacked. And both, in their own ways, signal a franchise finally leaning into a long‑overdue rebuild.

But they also share another trait: neither is anywhere close to a finished product.

The scouting report on Caleb Wilson

At 6-foot-9, 216 pounds, Wilson possesses an incredible blend of size, motor, and explosiveness. Wilson is the kind of long, athletic forward every NBA front office covets. He runs the floor well and often finishes a fast-break opportunity with highlight reel dunks. Also, he can defend with a natural ease that suggests he’ll eventually defend multiple positions.

Wilson’s three-point shooting and ball-handling still need major improvement. Still, his tools are real and have the highest ceiling amongst this year’s draft prospects. But patience is required for him to fulfill his immense potential.

The scouting report on Dailyn Swain

Rather than taking a guard in this year’s loaded guard class, Bryson Graham Swain stunned many by taking Dailyn Swain with the 15th pick. After spending his first two seasons at Xavier, Swain transferred to Texas and blossomed this past season, averaging 17.3 points per game and 54.2 percent from the field. Swain turns 21 in July, which is older than most prospects, but he is battle-tested and brings maturity.

His 6-foot-10 wingspan and size allow him to effectively guard multiple positions. His feel in transition and connective passing flashes real promise. But many experts point to his jump shot as his major weakness. How much he can improve upon this could determine his NBA future.

This is the gamble Graham is making: draft the athletes, draft the length, draft the versatility — then teach the shooting later. It’s bold. and modern, which is not something the Bulls were known for a long time. But it’s also a philosophy that demands patience, structure, and a coaching staff capable of molding raw material into NBA players.

Which leads to the biggest variable of all.

Tiago Splitter is still unproven as a head coach

Tiago Splitter deserves credit for stabilizing the Portland Trail Blazers after Chauncey Billups was arrested in his role in the multi-million-dollar, mob-backed illegal gambling operation.

Splitter was thrust into an interim head‑coaching role. He is credited with the development of Deni Avdija, who became an All-Star under his leadership, and resurrecting point guard Scoot Henderson’s career.

Ironically, he also helped the Bulls acquire the Trail Blazers’ draft pick when they defeated the Phoenix Suns 114-110 in the Western Conference Play-In tournament.

But he’s also inexperienced, and now he’s tasked with developing two first-rounders. Splitter has never built an identity from scratch. He’s never overseen a full‑scale youth movement. And he’s never been responsible for turning raw prospects into rotation‑level contributors. The Bulls are asking him to grow at the same time their roster is growing. That’s a recipe for turbulence.

But for the first time in a long time, the Bulls have direction. And there are no shortcuts.

They drafted players who align with their organizational philosophy. But they also drafted prospects that require time, stability, and a willingness to endure the messy middle.

There will be growing pains. For Graham, Wilson, Swain, and Splitter. And for long-suffering fans as well.

After decades of toiling in mediocrity, the Bulls finally embraced the truth: you can’t skip the hard part. And last night’s draft was the first step toward actually doing it.

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The 2026 NBA Draft is officially in the books and the Chicago Bulls came away with two first-round picks. Chicago selected Caleb Wilson at No. 4 overall and then Dailyn Swain at No. 15, hoping the two will be a part of their core for the long term.

A new era being ushered in under Bryson Graham, and the Bulls are hoping to speed up this rebuild. With Wilson and Swain, that could happen if both turn out to be good from the start. While the excitement is still fresh from the draft just a few days ago, it will be a bit before we see the new rookies on the court.

Chicago will participate in the NBA Summer League in early July, giving us our first look at both Wilson and Swain. But for Wilson, he will see a familiar foe when he hits the court for the first time.

Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer to square off in Summer League

The full NBA Summer League schedule is still being released but right away there’s a matchup to circle. Per ESPN’s schedule, the Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies will meet on July 10th. That’s likely the first Summer League game in Vegas, marking Wilson against No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer.

Wilson and Boozer met just one time in college and it was a big one as UNC beat Duke in Chapel Hill back in February. For Wilson, he scored 23 points on 8-of-10 shooting and four rebounds.  Boozer had 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting and 11 rebounds in the loss.

In the second matchup, Wilson was hurt so he didn’t play, while Boozer led Duke to a revenge win.

The full Summer League schedule will be released soon but this should be a matchup that basketball fans circle.

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The Chicago Bulls got their guy at No. 4 overall when they selected former North Carolina star Caleb Wilson. With a new regime and a rebuild underway, the Bulls are hoping the two selections they made on Tuesday night will be big pieces for the future.

Now, a day later, the Bulls are receiving some praise for their draft. And one pick that is getting a lot of attention is the selection of Wilson.

The Bulls have earned an ‘A’ in several early grades for the draft and Wilson appears to be winning over the fans already. But one NBA analyst believes the Bulls have more than just a good player. He believes they have a star, and the biggest in Chicago since Derrick Rose.

Bill Simmons believes Caleb Wilson will be a star

After the first round wrapped up on Tuesday night, Bill Simmons praised the Bulls’ pick and believes there is very good things coming for Wilson and Chicago. He named them the biggest winner of the draft.

“Winner quickly, Chicago. They get [Caleb] Wilson at No. 4 with a chip on his shoulder. I love Wilson,” Simmons said. “I’m completely all 100% in.I’m all in. He’s the first legit Bulls star since Derrick Rose. This kid has it. They will probably build the team around him. They will play up and down and everybody is going to love it.”

“He’s the first legit Bulls star since Derrick Rose.”@BillSimmons on why Chicago is the biggest winner of the NBA Draft after drafting Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain. pic.twitter.com/gNiR5gDro2

— The Ringer (@ringer) June 24, 2026

Simmons went on to praise the addition of Dailyn Swain, who the Bulls took at No. 15 overall out of Texas. While Swain isn’t getting the attention Wilson is, he’s also a key piece for the Bulls.

For Wilson, being named in the same sentence as a Chicago legend like Rose has to feel special. Rose was truly the last Bulls player to be a star and draw attention from the fans that we haven’t seen since the Michael Jordan days.

The duo has the chance to really help speed up this Bulls rebuild and get them back to a title contender.

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The Chicago Bulls are making moves this week, and they made a trade before Day 2 of the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.

On Monday, the Bulls were part of a three-way trade to bring on center Nic Claxton, who had previously spent his entire NBA career with the Brooklyn Nets.

On Tuesday night, there was no surprise for the Bulls at No. 4, taking Caleb Wilson out of North Carolina.

There had been chatter Chicago might trade up from No. 15 to land a player to help facilitate a faster rebuild under new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham and head coach Tiago Splitter, but the team stood pat and took guard Dailyn Swain out of Texas.

Chicago entered Wednesday morning with the No. 38 and No. 56 pick in the second round. It’s a minor loss for the Bulls, but a win for ownership.

Per Shams Charania of ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers are trading cash to the Bulls in exchange for the No. 56 pick.

“Sources: The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring No. 56 from the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the NBA draft tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN,” Charania posted on X. “Lakers sent cash to the Bulls to get a pick tonight.”

Chicago Bulls love getting second-round pick for cash

More News: Caleb Wilson sends bold message to Chicago Bulls fans

Graham’s predecessor Artūras Karnišovas absolutely loved stocking second-round picks during his tenure, giving up some of his best players without getting a first-round pick in return.

And while the Bulls’ inability to put together a competitive roster was a result of those poor trades, at least Chicago can get cash out of the talents they lost from the annual Play-In era.

The Bulls still have the No. 38 pick to find a young prospect to develop this year. That is, if they want to bother with that basketball development stuff NBA teams do. Chicago could always shop the pick for more money.

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After finishing 31-51 in the 2025-26 NBA season, the Chicago Bulls were awarded the fourth overall pick in the draft through the lottery. This gave them the opportunity to do just about anything they wanted as they looked to rebuild their roster. With plenty of young talent and a new head coach, the Bulls decided to grab one of the most highly coveted players in the draft, forward Caleb Wilson.

The 19-year-old still is growing and developing, but already was one of the best players in what many considered to be one of the deepest NBA draft classes in years. And his comments after the draft will have fans for excited for what he is bringing to the table.

Caleb Wilson wants to win with the Chicago Bulls

On Thursday, the day after the 2026 NBA Draft, Wilson was a guest on ESPN’s “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith. During his segment, he explained the mindset he is going to be bringing to the Bulls as a rookie:

“[Chicago Bulls] are getting a dawg man. It’s that simple. I’m going to do whatever it takes to win.”

—@CalebWilson2025 on wanting to make a big impact in his rookie year with the Bulls pic.twitter.com/Raxcr7fxpr

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 24, 2026

“They’re getting a dawg, man. It’s that simple. I’m going to do whatever it takes to win and I’m going to play as hard as I can and create opportunities for others. More than anyone else that’s going to be playing in the NBA, I’m going work hard and I’m going to get it done. I’m going to be a leader, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to win. It’s just that simple.”

In his only collegiate season at North Carolina, Wilson averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. He is not a very good three-point shooter, but can still develop a shot that will take him to the next level in the NBA.

More Chicago Bulls news from ChiCity Sports

• Caleb Wilson sends bold message to Bulls fans
• Bulls already linked to experienced marksman in free agency
• Bulls make surprising decision with 15th overall draft pick

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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On Tuesday night the Chicago Bulls made it official by drafting former North Carolina star Caleb Wilson at No. 4 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.

After weeks of speculation, the draft went how many thought it would go. AJ Dybantsa went first overall followed by Darryn Peterson and then Cameron Boozer. For Wilson, he has been mocked to go to Chicago for a while and even bought into the Bulls’ SLAP philosophy that Bryson Graham has brought over.

With the Bulls officially making the pick, it now ushers in a new era with Wilson being the center of it. Now, Wilson is sending a bold message to Bulls’ fans about the future.

Caleb Wilson’s bold message to Chicago Bulls fans about Michael Jordan

Wilson isn’t the first former North Carolina player to be selected by the Bulls in the top five. Michael Jordan went No. 3 overall to the Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft and went on to be considered the greatest to ever play the game. Now, we aren’t comparing Wilson to Jordan by any means. However, the new Bulls’ rookie did pay homage to Jordan as the GOAT while also offering some hope.

“I want to be the greatest of all time,” Wilson told the media via Joel Lorenzi. “Y’all got one of the goats in y’all history, so it’s time for another one.”

Wilson is referencing Jordan’s career in Chicago. He also wants to go down as one of the best to ever play in the NBA. If that’s the case, then the Bulls will be set up for success for a long time.

Bulls fans will get their first look at Wilson when the NBA’s Summer League officially begins in July.

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The Chicago Bulls certainly had an exciting first round of the NBA Draft on Tuesday night, snatching Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick and then circling back around to nab Dailyn Swain at No. 15.

It was certainly a good start for the rebuilding Bulls, who have a new top executive in Bryson Graham, a new head coach in Tiago Splitter and also just swung a trade to acquire big man Nic Claxton for virtually nothing just before the draft.

Chicago still has a long way to go, though, and with expansive cap room at its disposal heading into the summer, it is expected to be a major player in free agency.

The Bulls have needs up and down the roster, and while they almost certainly won’t be able to fill all of their holes in one fell swoop this offseason, they can certainly get a nice head start on their rebuild in the coming weeks.

One particular area in which Chicago could definitely stand to improve is perimeter shooting, as it ranked just 19th in the NBA in three-point percentage this past season. On that note, Morris Bankston of Pippen Ain’t Easy has zeroed in on a potential solution: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Chicago Bulls linked to Tim Hardaway Jr. in NBA free agency

Hardaway will be one of the top marksmen available once free agency opens next week, and he is coming off of a terrific season with the Denver Nuggets in which he played in 80 games and averaged 13.5 points over 26.6 minutes a night on 44.7/40.7/81.1 shooting splits.

The 34-year-old had bounced around a bit since entering the league with the New York Knicks back in the 2013-14 campaign. He has had two separate stints with the Knicks while also playing for the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons before arriving in Denver last year.

Hardaway has averaged 13.7 points per game while shooting 41.9 percent from the floor and 36.5 percent from downtown for his career, so his lifetime efficiency (55.7 percent TS) isn’t great. You also do have to wonder how much his 2025-26 numbers were inflated by the presence of Nikola Jokic.

But if the Bulls are simply looking for affordable options to bolster their outside shooting, then Hardaway could absolutely represent a fine target for Chicago.

Hardaway signed a veteran’s minimum deal with the Nuggets last summer, but he seems likely to get a bit more than that on the open market this offseason. We’ll see if the Bulls are willing to pay up for the University of Michigan product.

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There was no drama for the Chicago Bulls with the No. 4 pick.

As was expected, AJ Dybansta, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer went off the board one, two, and three. With the No. 4 pick, the Bulls took forward Caleb Wilson out of North Carolina. He has the potential to be better than the three players taken above him in the draft, but will come to Chicago less polished and in need of development.

The Bulls had two first-round picks this season. Chicago was expected to go with a guard with the No. 15 selection.

Once again, there was no surprise about the position. Chicago took a guard, but the name was a surprise. The Bulls took Dailyn Swain out of Texas.

Chicago Bulls draft Dailyn Swain

More News: Chicago Bulls select Caleb Wilson in 2026 NBA Draft

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, Swain comes to the Bulls needing to improve his shooting.

“Swain looks the part as a two-way NBA wing, but he is still a bit of a rough sketch,” Woo wrote. “He showed improved assertiveness after transferring to Texas last season and showed he can handle more offensive responsibility. Continuing to improve his shooting will be critical for his chances of finding a niche.”

The six-foot-eight, 220-pound guard averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game at Texas last season. Swain, 20, spent two seasons at Xavier before transferring to Texas.

Swain will be an asset for the Bulls on defense. He does a good job of getting to the rim. Still, this is a raw prospect for Chicago, but that’s to be expected in the middle of the first round.

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The Chicago Bulls are ushering in a new era for the franchise this offseason, hiring Bryson Graham to run the front office and then Tiago Splitter as head coach. On Tuesday, the Bulls are making two first-round picks that they hope will be big additions to their roster for years to come.

The first of those picks was at No. 4 overall as they selected former North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson.

A former five-star recruit, Wilson spent just one season at North Carolina. He put together an impressive season, averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.

Wilson appeared in 24 games before getting hurt in February and missing the rest of the regular season and the post season.

Caleb Wilson scouting report and highlights

Wilson now becomes the first pick of the Graham era for the Bulls. Going into this draft, there was a top four of Wilson, AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer. Wilson was the fourth picked but many experts and analysts believe he could be the top player in this draft when it’s all said and done.

Here is what Jeremy Woo said about Wilson:

Wilson projects to eventually add value on both ends of the floor as an explosive, toolsy forward with the potential to drive secondary offense and evolve into a versatile defender. Fleshing those skills out is going to take time — although Wilson is unpolished as a ball handler and a perimeter shooter (he shot just 7-for-27 from 3-point range), his physicality and motor largely compensated in college. His skill level has to improve for him to truly function on the perimeter in the NBA, which means his projection requires a bit more imagination than the other consensus top prospects.”

Below are highlights of Wilson while at North Carolina:

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The 2026 NBA Draft will begin in a few hours as the first round kicks off on Tuesday night. For the Chicago Bulls, it’s a chance to speed up a rebuild as they have two first-round picks.

At No. 4, the Bulls are expected to take North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson barring any major surprises. But it’s what they do at or with No. 15 overall that could be a big difference in whether or not the rebuild is sped up.

Now, one NBA analyst thinks the Bulls could move that No. 15 overall pick to acquire a former No. 1 overall player.

Will Chicago Bulls trade for Zion Williamson?

Former No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson has been the topic of trade rumors for over a year now. With the New Orleans Pelicans struggling once again and not having their own pick, they may need to make some moves. That could be moving on from Williamson.

Matt Burke of Complex wrote on potential landing spots for Williamson, mentioning the Bulls:

The Pelicans do not have a first round pick in tonight’s NBA Draft, but multiple reports say that Dumars is doing everything possible to get one. Dumars trading away Trey Murphy, Herb Jones or Dejounte Murray seems more likely than him flipping Zion, but anything is possible with the Pelicans at this juncture.

A deal with the Bulls makes a ton of sense, considering that Chicago has two first round picks to dangle (No. 4 and No. 15).

Chicago is in desperate need of finding a marketable superstar to build around, and Zion certainly fits that bill. Of note, the Bulls’ new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham worked in the Pelicans front office from 2010 to 2025.

Burke also mentioned the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns as a possible landing spot.

For the Bulls, moving No. 4 overall to get Williamson makes no sense at all. They will have the chance to take one of the top four players in this draft with that pick. It seems more likely the Bulls would trade No. 15 and more to land Williamson if they were to even try to make the deal.

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The Chicago Bulls were able to sneak into a three-team trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, acquiring big man Nic Claxton while giving up basically nothing in the deal.

It was a solid trade for the Bulls, who now may have a defensive anchor in Claxton and could potentially pair Caleb Wilson with him assuming they select Wilson with the fourth overall pick of the NBA Draft on Tuesday night.

But could Chicago swing yet another major trade between now and draft time?

The Bulls currently own a pair of top-15 picks. Not only will they be on the clock at No. 4, but they also possesses the 15th overall selection, so in a deep draft, Chicago could come away with a couple of critical players.

Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy doesn’t think the Bulls will stop there, though, proposing that they trade into the top 10.

Chicago Bulls linked to trade to land Keaton Wagler

Hanlon would love to see Illinois guard Keaton Wagler on Chicago, and he thinks that the Bulls could swing a trade with the Dallas Mavericks to acquire the No. 9 overall pick to do so.

“Keaton Wagler would be the ideal next step as a high-IQ guard with good positional size, versatility to play on or off the ball and an elite 3-point stroke. If Wagler begins to slide and is still on the board at No. 9, the Bulls could pull off a trade with the Dallas Mavericks using future draft capital to land a second top-10 pick and their point guard of the future,” Hanlon wrote.

Chicago owns all of its own first-round draft picks in the years to come, but it seems unlikely that the Bulls would part with a pair of first-rounders to move up six spots. Would including second-round selections — or potentially another player — in the deal be enough to get the Mavericks to budge?

Wagler averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists over 33.9 minutes per game at Illinois this past season, shooting 44.5 percent from the floor, 39.7 percent from three-point range and 79.6 percent from the free-throw line.

The 6-foot-5 combo guard also possesses impressive potential as a defender on the NBA level, so there are plenty of reasons to be excited about him. But whether or not Chicago would want to pay the price to move up and draft him remains to be seen.

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As a new regime takes over for the Chicago Bulls, this is going to be a big offseason for Bryson Graham and his staff. They have two first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft and a healthy cap situation.

They could also make some moves via a trade.

No one on the Bulls’ roster outside of Matas Buzelis is untradable. Chicago could have some pieces to move to try and acquire more picks for the upcoming draft. But one name is drawing some interest from a pair of Western Conference teams.

The report on Friday out of Minneapolis was that the Timberwolves could try and pry Josh Giddey out of Chicago. While that situation could com to fruition over the next few weeks, another team is also reportedly interested.

Phoenix Suns also show interest in Josh Giddey per report

Another Western Conference team is potentially looking to get involved in the Josh Giddey sweepstakes, if there is one. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype mentioned the Phoenix Suns as a team that is showing interest in Giddey:

“Goodwin had a breakout season, averaging career-highs in points (8.7), rebounds (4.9), and steals (1.5) in 70 games. Within league circles, Goodwin’s projected salary range is believed to be around $5-6 million per season. Lastly, the Suns have also done some background on Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey, HoopsHype has learned.”

Giddey was traded to Chicago in the deal that sent Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City. For the Bulls, they really could use more draft picks and if Giddey isn’t part of the future plans for Graham or Tiago Splitter, it would make sense for the Bulls to move him.

They could get into an interesting situation where a bidding war between the Timberwolves and Suns would benefit the Bulls. Phoenix doesn’t have a ton to trade in terms of picks but they could use one of their centers as trade bait. A young center coming back in a deal for Giddey could be beneficial for the Bulls in terms of their rebuild.

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Chicago basketball has always had a local accent: hard drives, loud gyms, cold winters, and a fan base that respects effort before polish. That identity still matters, but the city’s basketball culture now belongs to a wider game. International players, global scouting, streamed youth tournaments, and NBA development pathways have changed what Bulls fans expect from a modern roster. Finnish readers can see the same shift clearly because Lauri Markkanen’s Chicago years made the Bulls part of Finland’s NBA memory.

Modern basketball fans now read sport with a data habit. They compare spacing, usage rate, assist percentage, defensive versatility, transition pace, and late-lineup changes before forming a strong opinion. That same analytical instinct explains why esports betting has grown around maps, patch changes, team form, role balance, and live momentum rather than simple fan loyalty. The useful lesson transfers back to basketball: information matters, but impulse is expensive. Bankroll discipline, small units, and the ability to skip a weak market remain part of responsible 18+ entertainment.

Chicago’s global chapter is no longer symbolic

The NBA reported a record 135 international players on 2025–26 opening-night rosters, representing 43 countries across six continents. Chicago sits inside that wider pattern. The Bulls’ current public roster highlights Josh Giddey from Australia and Matas Buzelis, a Chicago-born forward with Lithuanian heritage.

The old “international role player” label no longer works. Modern global prospects arrive as ball-handlers, shooters, connectors, defenders, and sometimes coaches. The game has stopped treating geography as a style guide.

Tiago Splitter gives the story a sharper 2026 edge

The freshest Chicago basketball development is not only on the roster. Reuters reported on June 16, 2026, that the Bulls named former NBA center Tiago Splitter of Brazil as head coach. That matters because Splitter carries a rare basketball résumé: NBA champion as a player, European coaching experience, and a development-heavy profile.

For Chicago, this makes the international angle structural. It is not just about importing talent. It is about teaching, evaluating, and organizing the game with a broader basketball vocabulary.

Giddey changes how the ball moves

Josh Giddey gives Chicago a different playmaking shape. At 6-foot-7, he can rebound, push the ball, and see over defensive pressure. That matters in a city used to forceful guard play because Giddey’s tempo is less about burst and more about early decisions.

A rebound becomes an outlet without an outlet pass. A defender turns his head and the ball is already on the wing. That style asks fans to value passing windows, not just scoring totals.

Buzelis connects hometown identity with Lithuanian roots

Matas Buzelis gives the Bulls a more personal global story. He was born in Chicago, developed through high-level American pathways, and carries Lithuanian basketball heritage. The NBA listed him as the Bulls’ No. 11 pick in the 2024 Draft after his G League Ignite season.

That mix feels modern. Buzelis is not an imported curiosity or a simple hometown pick. He represents the way basketball families, academies, national identities, and American development systems now overlap.

Markkanen left a Finnish doorway into Chicago

Lauri Markkanen no longer plays for the Bulls, but his years in Chicago still matter for Finnish readers. He made the Bulls familiar to a wider Finnish sports audience before becoming an All-Star-level figure elsewhere. That history creates a soft connection between Chicago basketball and Finnish interest in the NBA.

It also changed how some Finnish fans watch player growth. The question is not only whether a prospect scores early. It is whether the role, coaching, spacing, and confidence curve give the player a real runway.

Global pathways changed scouting language

Basketball Without Borders launched in 2001 as an NBA and FIBA development program. NBA Academy and G League Ignite added more routes for talent evaluation. The result is a scouting culture that notices players earlier and judges them with more nuance.

Scouts now track decision speed, frame development, weak-hand comfort, defensive role flexibility, and shooting translation. Chicago fans may see the debut, but the evaluation started years earlier.

What fans should watch in international prospects

• Can he defend multiple positions?
• Does the jumper survive NBA closeouts?
• Can he pass without overdribbling?
• Does he process help defense quickly?
• Can he play in transition and half-court sets?
• Does his body handle the 82-game grind?
• Is his role clear enough for development?

Chicago’s global basketball lens

The city’s basketball identity got wider

Chicago has not lost its edge. It has added layers. The modern Bulls conversation now includes Australian passing angles, Lithuanian development pride, Brazilian coaching influence, and Finnish memory through Markkanen.

That is not branding. It is how basketball works now: one city, many basketball languages, one ball moving faster than old categories can keep up.

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With the Chicago Bulls set to have two picks during the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night, the team made a trade for a center.

With the No. 4 pick, the Bulls are expected to pick whoever is left among the top four prospects: AJ Dybansta, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson. Wilson is thought to be the most likely prospect on the board when Chicago picks.

The Bulls were thought to have an interest in taking center Aday Mara out of Michigan, but it’s unclear if he’ll be on the board at No. 15. In the meantime, Chicago has been doing homework on guards for its second selection.

Per Shams Charania of ESPN, the Bulls are a part of a three-way trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Brooklyn Nets. Chicago will land center Nic Claxton. In another big piece of the offseason roster puzzle for the Bulls, the trade makes it less likely for a reunion with Ayo Dosunmu.

“Just in: Minnesota is sending Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN,” Charania posted on X. “The Timberwolves will acquire Brooklyn’s No. 33 pick for Randle and No. 28.

“Timberwolves free up significant salary with the remaining two years of Randle’s deal, giving them more flexibility to retain Ayo Dosunmu and use exceptions. Nets acquire a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA forward in Randle into their cap space — plus a first-rounder. Chicago uses part of its space on a talented athletic center, a position of need, with $30 million in room left.”

Chicago Bulls trade for C Nic Claxton

More News: Chicago Bulls: Insider hints at draft pick amid ‘movement’

Claxton, 27, averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game last season for the Nets. Brooklyn drafted him with the 31st pick in the second round of the 2019 draft.

The six-foot-11, 215-pound center started in 68 games for the Nets and appeared in 69.

This is not the most exciting trade for the Bulls, but will give them some flexibility before the draft by adding a starting center.

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We are approaching 24 hours until the 2026 NBA Draft officially begins as the first round is set to take place on Tuesday. Over the span of two days, the league will welcome in the next class of rookies. For the Chicago Bulls, they have two first-round picks at No. 4 and No. 15 overall.

At No. 4, the Bulls will get one of the top four prospects in this draft, which is considered a loaded one. Throughout the process, it’s been Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson connected to Chicago as the most likely options. But as time has gone on, it feels more and more like it will be Wilson that is heading to Chicago.

And that just might be where he prefers to land.

Chicago Bulls are preferred landing spot for Caleb Wilson per report

With just a day until the NBA Draft, ESPN’s Jeremy Woo has released his final mock. He has Wilson going to Chicago at No. 4 after Boozer went to Memphis at No. 3 overall. In his mock, he reveals that Wilson only took a visit with the Bulls and spent time with Tiago Splitter. That meeting led him to report that Wilson’s preferred destination is Chicago:

Wilson took his only predraft visit with Chicago, conducting a solo workout last week and spending time with Bulls brass, including newly hired coach Tiago Splitter. The Bulls are thought to be Wilson’s preferred landing spot, and the most likely scenario remains that he will be available to them at No. 4.

While Wilson doesn’t have the same body of work as the three prospects projected ahead of him, the leap in productivity he took at North Carolina greatly enhanced how teams view his long-term potential — his exceptional quickness off the floor and improved motor make him a strong bet to be a high-impact NBA player. As a result, most view this pick as one of the lower-pressure spots and expect it to be a relatively simple decision for Chicago.

The fit for Wilson and the Bulls is there as he can come in and be a star right away. Wilson would be a key piece in this rebuild after Bryson Graham took over and the new regime begins. Chicago would pair him with Matas Buzelis and potentially Josh Giddey depending on what the Bulls do in terms of their roster.

Chicago also has pick No. 15 to use and potentially find a starter there as well.  But right now, all signs point to the Bulls taking Wilson at No. 4 and then going from there.

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The Chicago Bulls own the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft, and the general consensus is that they will simply select whoever is remaining between Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. The prevailing thought is that it will be Wilson, which would be just fine for the Bulls.

After all, Wilson has tremendous two-way potential and may very well be the best all-around talent in this class. He would also fill a major need for the Bulls as a defensive anchor on the interior.

But is it possible that Chicago will pull off a stunner?

Josh Cornelissen of Hoops Habit thinks so, predicting that the Bulls will actually select Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. with the No. 4 pick rather than taking one of the two ACC big men. What’s more, he thinks Chicago will attempt to trade down before making the selection.

“Here is where the chaos begins,” Cornelissen wrote. “The Chicago Bulls already have Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue at forward and have a strong need at guard, and Mikel Brown has all of the traits that their new front office is looking for (to be fair, so does Caleb Wilson). They reach into the pool of guards at No. 4 after not being able to secure a trade-down package.”

Cornelissen then has Wilson going fifth overall to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Would the Chicago Bulls really select Mikel Brown Jr.?

There is no question that the Bulls could use a point guard, especially if they end up trading Josh Giddey.

But would they really pass on Wilson in the process?

Brown had a very strong campaign at Louisville this past season, averaging 18.2 points, 4.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds over 29.2 minutes per game on 41.0/34.4/84.4 shooting splits. The efficiency certainly leaves something to be desired, but it’s clear his offensive potential is through the roof.

The problem, though, is that there have been serious questions about Brown’s defense, both in terms of his physical attributes and his instincts.

Wilson absolutely does not have those issues. In fact, Wilson is so good defensively that some have even compared him to Kevin Garnett. It will be difficult for Chicago to pass on that, especially considering how much help the Bulls need on the defensive end of the floor.

It seems hard to imagine Chicago passing on Wilson, but evidently, Cornelissen doesn’t seem to believe the Bulls are too enamored with the University of North Carolina product, hence his predicted trade-down attempt, as well.

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This week will be an important one for the Chicago Bulls in terms of their rebuild. After moving in a new direction this offseason, the Bulls are entering the 2026 NBA Draft with two first-round picks. Bryson Graham and the rest of the front office will have those two picks plus a healthy cap space to work with this offseason.

While free agency doesn’t begin until June 30th, the rumors are already heating up.

For the Bulls, there has been some talk that two western conference teams are interested in guard Josh Giddey. Nothing has materialized just yet but it’s something to monitor. However, there is a report that the Bulls could be pursuing a center in a sign and trade to fill a roster need.

Chicago Bulls could target Mark Williams from Phoenix Suns

Going into the offseason, the Bulls have a lot of needs. But one of the biggest needs is at center. Chicago could take a young center at No. 15 overall in this draft but there’s also free agency to attempt to land one.

Evan Sidery mentioned the Bulls as an option for Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams:

“The Suns are open to bringing back Mark Williams on his one-year qualifying offer, but not a long-term deal,” Sidery wrote on X. “Phoenix will soon need to unleash former No. 10 overall pick Khaman Maluach as a starter. The Bulls are a team to monitor for Williams as a sign-and-trade candidate.”

Williams was traded to the Suns last offseason and appeared in 60 games while starting 55. He averaged 11.7 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Suns in his first season with the franchise. With the team taking center Khaman Maluach in the lottery last year, they could be inclined to move on from Williams.

He would solve a potential need the Bulls have at the center position and likely wouldn’t cost a lot to acquire in any deal.

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Chicago Bulls new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham, and head coach Tiago Splitter enter the 2026 NBA Draft with a chance to find dynamite talent to ignite a rebuild.

The Bulls will have the No. 4 and No. 15 picks in the first round. AJ Dybansta, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson are considered the best four prospects in the draft by far, but which of the four Chicago takes is out of its control with the No. 4 pick.

However, Wilson appears to be the most likely player of the above names to be on the draft board with the Bulls’ pick.

Then, Chicago has another opportunity to land a gem with the No. 15. Finding an elite talent at that spot is supposed to be one of Graham’s strengths, and he appears to have an idea of where he wants to go with the second selection.

There was some chatter the Bulls could look to add a big man like Michigan’s Aday Mara, but the team appears to be looking at another position.

More News: Chicago Bulls: Insider hints at draft pick amid ‘movement’

Chicago Bulls looking for guard help

More News: Minnesota Timberwolves interested in Chicago Bulls guard per report

Per Jake Fischer of “The Stein Line,” the Bulls had a “slew of guards” working out with the team on Friday. Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson Jr., Alabama’s Labaron Philon Jr. and Arkansas’ Meleek Thomas are viewed as “candidates” for the Bulls with the No. 15 pick.

After losing Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu in trades last season, the Bulls are in need of guard help. There has been talk that Dosunmu could return to his hometown of Chicago, but the team needs some young guard help after using its first-round picks the last two years on forwards Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue.

Mara would be a fun pick, but it’s unclear if the Bulls would need to trade up to get him. If he’s not available, Chicago doesn’t appear willing to draft another center for position help. Though it could be a smokescreen, the Bulls are set to add another guard in the first round.

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With the Chicago Bulls moving in a new direction this offseason, the roster will see a lot of changes. Bryson Graham and his staff will look to re-shape the roster in hopes of speeding up this rebuild.

Chicago has two picks in the first round of the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, picking No. 4 and No. 15. After that, there’s the free agency period where the Tar Heels have a healthy cap situation to make some moves. But one area could be through a trade and already there is a rumor that one of their players is being targeted by a Western Conference team.

Are Minnesota Timberwolves targeting Josh Giddey?

The Chicago Bulls made the decision to sign Josh Giddey to a big deal ahead of the 2025-26 season. Giddey was acquired by the Bulls via Oklahoma City in a deal that also included Alex Caruso.

But with a new regime in charge, nothing is off the table in terms of the Bulls roster and a new report suggests that a team could be pursuing Giddey from Chicago.

Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News and SKOR North reported on Friday that Giddey is a player of interest for the Timberwolves:

Another player of interest to the Wolves, per multiple league contacts: Bulls guard Josh Giddey. Just not sure how you pry him out of Chicago, and I like his fit with new coach Tiago Splitter.

Another player of interest to the Wolves, per multiple league contacts: Bulls guard Josh Giddey. Just not sure how you pry him out of Chicago, and I like his fit with new coach Tiago Splitter. #WolvesBack #Twolves https://t.co/Qj4VaXILrD

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 19, 2026

Wolfson’s report is interesting because he notes he doesn’t know how the Timbewolves would pry him out of Chicago. That suggests that Chicago could keep him in their plans with new head coach Tiago Splitter. While it’s early in the Splitter era, we don’t know how anyone fits including Giddey.

But if the Timberwolves do call and make an offer, the Bulls certainly have to at least listen and see what they can get to potentially speed up this rebuild.

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The 2026 NBA Draft is just under a week away and for the Chicago Bulls, it could be franchise-altering. After Chicago hit the rebuild button this offseason by reshaping their front office and now finding a new head coach.

As the Bulls move in this new direction, they have the assets to speed up the rebuild. Chicago holds picks No. 4 and No. 15 in the 2026 NBA Draft, giving them two cracks at finding game-changing talents. While 15 will be an important pick, the Bulls almost have to hit on No. 4. Right now, the consensus is that AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson will be the top four picks in some order.

That means the Bulls will land one of those talents as long as they don’t trade the pick or make a big surprising decision. Most people believe it will be Wilson, and this week’s news may just solidify that.

Caleb Wilson takes visit with Chicago Bulls

Up until now, there hasn’t been much in terms of pre-draft visits for the Bulls and prospects. However, the news this week is that Wilson is in Chicago and is visiting the Bulls. Here is what ESPN’s Jeremy Woo wrote on Wilson:

“Wilson remains the most likely player to fall to the Bulls, who can sit comfortably at No. 4 and see what unfolds in front of them,” Woo wrote in his latest mock draft. “He is set to visit Chicago this week and is thought to be happy at the prospect of landing there, where he would immediately become the face of their rebuild and directly address a frontcourt need.”

Per his Instagram, Wilson posted on Wednesday that he is indeed in Chicago. While the Bulls have worked out over 20 players, none are as high profile as Wilson. More importantly, Boozer, Peterson and Dybantsa have yet to workout with the Bulls either.

It feels like everything is trending towards Wilson landing in Chicago.

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New Chicago Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter will be blessed with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft as the team begins a rebuild this offseason.

After trading Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, and Ayo Dosunmu last season, the Bulls will be relying on a new young core to develop and eventually begin contending for a playoff spot in a few seasons.

It’s not ideal, but that’s where the Bulls are at this offseason.

During an appearance on “The Score” on Thursday, Bulls insider K.C. Johnson of CHSN hinted that the team appears ready to take Caleb Wilson out of North Carolina with the No. 4 pick.

“I believe he will be in a Bulls uniform,” Johnson said of Wilson.

Johnson noted Wilson was a “friendly and likable guy” at the NBA combine earlier this spring.

Chicago can’t really control who they take out of AJ Dybansta, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, Wilson, the top four prospects in the draft. But from what Johnson is hearing, Wilson appears to be the most likely choice for the Bulls at No. 4.

Chicago Bulls expected to pick Caleb Wilson at No. 4

“Again, it’s out of their control, because they’re picking four, but it does sound like, although there might be some movement in the top three picks, I do think Caleb’s going to be there (at) four,” Johnson said.

“I will say, my one brief scrum interaction with him, he’s got about as much energy in a media session as he seems to have on the court. He plays with a high motor, and he was very affable and approachable that in that media interview.”

Of the top four prospects, Wilson needs the most polish before playing in the association as a rookie. However, Wilson has a high ceiling, and could make teams pay for passing on him in the future.

And that would be great for the Bulls.

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Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bulls officially pushed the reset button this offseason, cleaning house in the front office. They also saw head coach Billy Donovan opt not to return for another year.

With the reset, there’s a new era in Chicago and the Bulls are expected to be aggressive in the rebuild.

Chicago holds two first-round picks with No. 4 and No. 15, allowing them to potentially draft two corner stone pieces to their roster. They also can’t get picky with who they target as they have needs all over the roster. But after the draft, free agency is a place where the Bulls are expected to be aggressive with a good cap situation. And one name continues to pop up as a target.

Chicago Bulls expected to pursue Jalen Duren?

One of the biggest needs for the Bulls will be at center, after they traded Nikola Vucevic during the season. They could be looking at a center in their division to pursue and one NBA reporter believes they are “circling” around Jalen Duren. Here is what The Athletic’s John Hollinger had to say on the situation:

Duren is supermax-eligible after making the All-NBA Third Team, but even getting the lower max (five years, $239 million) coming off his rookie deal will be a challenge after the postseason he had. On the other hand, Duren is only 22 and coming off an All-Star regular season, and cap-room teams like Brooklyn and Chicago will be circling with offer sheets if the Pistons get cold feet. A five-year, $200 million deal would value him at $40 million a year and keep him in Detroit through much of his prime; that feels like a potential endpoint.

As Hollinger notes, the key to all of this are the Pistons.

The Pistons haven’t had conversations in terms of a contract with Duren. But they will. It was thought that Duren could land a $200 million to $220 million deal over five years. However, his poor playoff performance may have steered the Pistons in the other direction potentially.

Detroit wants to retain Duren but it feels like they have to be careful in doing so. Low-balling him and getting negotiations to the point of rocky ground could be a nightmare for Duren, especially if he feels underappreciated. If he does hit the market, the Bulls should be in on the 22-year-old.

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We are less than a week away from the 2026 NBA Draft and it’s shaping up to be an interesting one. With the general consensus being the same four players going in the first four picks, the drama could come right after that.

For the Chicago Bulls, they hold pick No. 4 overall but also pick at No. 15. With two first-round picks, they have the chance to speed up this rebuild and land two really good players. One player who the Bulls are being connected to is former North Carolina star Caleb Wilson.

He’s part of the group of four that are expected to go 1-4 in the draft, along with AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer. Most mocks have Wilson landing with the Bulls at No. 4 overall, barring any surprises. But as we sit here with under a week to go, a current NBA veteran had an interesting comparison for Wilson at the NBA level. And it’s one that Bulls’ fans would certainly take if he were the pick.

Draymond Green believes Caleb Wilson’s floor is Kevin Garnett

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has had a successful NBA career, spending 14 years and all with Golden State. He’s seen a lot of basketball and during a recent episode of “The Draymond Green Show”, he discussed the top four guys. He went as far as saying Wilson could be the most special of the group.

He then went on to say his floor is Kevin Garnett.

“I actually think Caleb Wilson may be the most special of the group,” Green said on “The Draymond Green Show.”

“I saw people saying his floor was Paul Millsap and his ceiling was Kevin Garnett,” Green added.

“And no disrespect to KG. KG is probably [one of the] top three power forwards we’ve ever seen in our lifetime. KG [had] tenacity and all of that. I think [with] Caleb Wilson, now obviously you’ve got to do the work, and he isn’t going to walk in like [Garnett], but the type of talent he is, barring that he goes to do the work, I actually think his floor is Kevin Garnett.

“And man, if that’s your floor, oh my god. Do you know how great KG was? I actually think with Caleb Wilson, Kevin Garnett could be his floor. That’s how special I think Caleb Wilson is.”

That is a hell of a comp.

Wilson spent one season at North Carolina but it was cut short due to an injury in February. He didn’t return after suffering another injury right before the season finale against Duke. But when he was on the court, he showed how special he was.

The forward averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game.  He made 24 starts and shot 57.8 percent from the field in his lone year at UNC. He showcased his ability to be a factor on both offense and defense.

If Wilson is there for the Bulls at No. 4, it’s a no-brainer.

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The Chicago Bulls are expected to be one of the most active teams in the NBA this offseason, as they own a ton of cap space and can afford to spend in free agency.

The Bulls need a whole lot of help up and down their roster, but new top executive Bryson Graham has made it clear that he would like to improve the defense. That should start on the interior, where Chicago is very thin.

There will be some very intriguing big men available on the open market once free agency begins in July. Jaren Duren has been linked to the Bulls frequently, but he actually isn’t the greatest defender and might also land north of $40 million annually. Mitchell Robinson is great, but word on the street is he’ll be returning to the New York Knicks.

So who else can Chicago pursue to bolster its frontcourt?

Well, Jack Simone of Pippen Ain’t Easy has floated a compelling target, and it’s someone with whom new head coach Tiago Splitter is very familiar: Robert Williams III.

Chicago Bulls urged to pursue Robert Williams III

Williams would be an incredibly risky pickup given his extensive injury history. Since entering the league with the Boston Celtics in 2018-19, Williams has never played a full season. In fact, he topped out at 61 games during the 2021-22 campaign.

This past season, the 28-year-old appeared in 59 contests with the Portland Trail Blazers, but Simone feels that Williams could still be of significant help to the Bulls.

“For the Bulls, they would be bringing in a guy with a ton of defensive upside who is familiar with their new head coach. A guy who plays a position that they desperately need to improve,” Simone wrote. “And if the Bulls take North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, they could roll out an elite defensive frontcourt of him and Williams.”

Williams made Second-Team All-Defense back in 2021-22 and even finished seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting that season. When healthy, he is a major difference-maker on that end of the floor. But that’s just the thing: will he actually be able to avoid injury?

The Celtics traded Williams to the Blazers during the summer of 2023. He proceeded to play in a grand total of 85 games across three years in Portland, which is beyond concerning. He managed to average 6.7 points, seven rebounds and 1.5 blocks over 17.1 minutes per game this past season, but can the Bulls actually count on him not missing most of the campaign?

Williams would be an interesting addition for sure, but Chicago simply would not be able to bank on a clean bill of health from him.

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Chicago is one of the great sporting cities in the entire world, not just in the US. Admittedly, it’s a city that has had to endure its fair share of losing seasons across the major sports for a significant period.

The Bears’ most recent NFL title came in the 1985 season with their dominant Super Bowl XX win in January 1986, which remains their only Super Bowl-era championship. For the Bears, it’s not uncommon for Soldier Field to be sold out regularly throughout the NFL season, despite not having won the Super Bowl since 1985. According to research by TheSportsGeek, the Bears continue to have one of the most loyal NFL fanbases in the league despite having waited 40+ years (and counting) for success.

In the NBA, the Bulls last lifted the trophy in the 1997-98 season, capping the Jordan era with a sixth championship in the 1998 Finals. On the baseball side, both Chicago franchises have broken historic droughts this century: the White Sox swept the Houston Astros in the 2005 World Series to claim their first title since 1917, ending the so‑called “Black Sox” curse, while the Cubs famously ended a 108‑year World Series drought with their 2016 win.

In hockey, the Blackhawks’ latest success was the 2014-15 season, when they secured the 2015 Stanley Cup, their third championship in six seasons and the city’s most recent “Original Six” title.

Chicago has also tasted success in soccer and women’s basketball: the Chicago Fire won the MLS Cup in 1998 as an expansion team, completing a league and U.S. Open Cup double, while the Chicago Sky delivered the city’s first WNBA championship in 2021 with a comeback series win over the Phoenix Mercury.

While winning seasons across all major professional sports haven’t been all that common as they have in other cities, perhaps like New York City and Los Angeles, that hasn’t stopped the people of Chicago from remaining loyal to their team through the thick and thin that sports can bring.

Why loyalty matters more than championships in defining sports cities

Many Chicago fans stay deeply invested through rebuilds and losing seasons because supporting their teams is bound up with identity, tradition, and community in a way that’s unusually strong even by big‑market standards, and that compares very well to other major U.S. fanbases.

Surveys of Chicago‑area residents show that about 94% say sports are an important part of the city’s culture, and four out of five adults identify as fans of at least one major team, which means “being a fan” is closer to a civic default than a casual hobby. That culture produces a kind of generational loyalty: following the Bears, Cubs, Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, Fire, and Sky is passed down in families, so people don’t tend to bandwagon away when the team tanks; they treat suffering as part of the package, especially after long droughts like the pre‑2005 White Sox and pre‑2016 Cubs.

Emotionally, fans of the teams from the city share many of the same emotions, which builds a community among all sports fans. Chicago keeps getting framed as one of the country’s most passionate and loyal sports cities even when the trophies aren’t flowing. This is because the emotional identity is less “we always win” and more “we show up, no matter what, because this is who we are.”

Younger generation remain loyal

The way fans support and follow teams has dramatically changed over the years, especially with advances in technology and global accessibility. Before having unrestricted access, most people would become fans of the teams in the area where they lived or were brought up. For many in Chicago, wearing the jersey of a team from the city is the only thing that they could do.

Of course, many sports franchises are looking beyond local borders to increase their presence for commercial and marketing reasons, using various tools to do so. Social media has become a big tool, expanding a team’s exposure nationally and internationally.

These tools help them measure franchise strength beyond wins and losses, helping them to create content that boosts engagement; however, it’s perhaps the fans in the local area who are most important, as they are the individuals who can attend contests. Should attendance numbers fall, there could be irreparable concerns about the team, which could also have a financial impact on the franchise.

While social media has changed how events can be consumed, many still like to attend events in person and watch the action live. They live in the hope that continually remains across the city, longing for the day when they can rival those who have enjoyed continued success.

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The Chicago Bulls will likely be one of the most active teams in NBA free agency this offseason, as they are armed with massive cap space and have a bunch of holes to fill.

Perhaps one of the Bulls’ most significant needs is a big body on the interior, someone who can provide some offense while also clogging up the middle defensively. There aren’t too many of those types of players out there, but Chicago should be able to land someone this summer.

Jalen Duren has been a popular name for the Bulls, but the center is expected to make upward of $40 million annually on his next deal, and Chicago may not want to go that far for a player who struggled so mightily in the playoffs for the Detroit Pistons this past season.

Perhaps the Bulls will pursue some less expensive options who can still get the job done, and John Hollinger of The Athletic has linked them to one potential solution in that regard: former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton.

Chicago Bulls linked to Deandre Ayton

Ayton will almost certainly decline his $8.1 million option with the Los Angeles Lakers, which would make him an unrestricted free agent.

“He’ll surely opt out of his $8.1 million deal, and the Lakers may not bring him back given their potential cap space maneuvers and the fact that they have no Bird rights on Ayton. That immediately makes him among the most gettable starting center candidates, and the presence of center-needy cap-room teams like the Bulls or Nets could push his price above the non-taxpayer MLE,” Hollinger wrote.

But just how good of a fit would Ayton be in Chicago?

The 27-year-old averaged 12.5 points, eight rebounds and one block over 27.2 minutes per game this past year, shooting 67.1 percent from the floor and 64.5 percent from the free-throw line. His offensive repertoire is pretty limited, and while his defense isn’t terrible, it isn’t exactly elite, either.

Ultimately, it will come down to the price for the Bulls. So long as Ayton doesn’t break the bank, he might actually be a solid addition just to stabilize the frontcourt. It also depends on what else Chicago does this offseason. If Ayton is its top get, then that’s a problem.

It should be noted that Ayton did average double-doubles in each of his first seven NBA seasons up until the streak was broken in 2025-26, so that’s something.

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The Chicago Bulls have their next head coach, with former NBA Power Forward/Center Tiago Splitter, finalizing a deal to be the next man at the helm.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Splitter succeeds former Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, who stepped down and away from his duties after the 2025-26 season. Splitter had been serving as the Portland Trail Blazers head coach this past season when his predecessor, Chauncy Billups, was removed from his duties after gambling allegations emerged.

In his time as the Trail Blazers’ interim head coach, Splitter was 42-39, but lost in the first round of the Western Conference Finals, losing 4-1 to the San Antonio Spurs. Before serving as the Trail Blazers head coach, the Brazilian was the assistant coach/player development leader for the Houston Rockets (2023 to 2024) and for the Brooklyn Nets (2020 to 2023).

Donovan was the Bulls coach for six seasons (2020 to 2026) and compiled a record of 226-256.

BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are finalizing the hire of Portland Trail Blazers interim Tiago Splitter as the franchise's new head coach, sources tell ESPN. Splitter succeeds Billy Donovan as the Bulls' coach after stepping into the head job and excelling in Portland last season. pic.twitter.com/m8e91FrvXC

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2026

More Bulls News: Chicago Bulls’ blockbuster trade rumor just isn’t worth it

Splitter received three points and ranked seventh in the Coach of the Year voting for the 2025-26 season. Before coaching, the 41-year-old spent seven seasons in the NBA playing for the Spurs (2010 to 2015), the Atlanta Hawks (2015-16) and the Philadelphia 76ers (2016-17).

Tiago Splitter will bring an empathetic coaching style to the Chicago Bulls

In an interview given back in 2024 to Mozzart Sport, Splitter described his coaching style as more compassionate to players, rather than yelling and screaming at them when coaching over in the EuroLeague’s.

“I’m not someone who likes to shout and yell at players. Sometimes, I even feel the need to hug them. This doesn’t mean I let them do whatever they want,” he explained to Bojan Brezovac of Mozzart Sport. “I always aim to create new challenges for the players,” Splitter went on to say. “In Paris, discipline and professionalism are respected. I’m not here to teach them the basics, like how to pass the ball or take two steps. My role is to present the game plan, prepare them, and motivate them for the EuroLeague and our domestic competitions.”

With as many young players the Bulls having many inexperienced players on the roster, having someone willing to explain things and not bark at the players could be beneficial in the development of someone like Matas Buzelis.

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The Chicago Bulls are now entering a critical offseason in which they will have a golden opportunity to improve and set their team up for the future.

The Bulls are armed with expansive cap room and own two top-15 picks in this year’s NBA Draft, including the No. 4 overall selection thank to some lottery luck.

The general consensus is that AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer will come off the board with the first three picks next Tuesday, which would leave North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson for Chicago. But is it possible the Bulls will look to swing a trade?

There has been plenty of speculation that Chicago will aim to move up in the draft order, and while vaulting all the way up to No. 1 has been floated as an idea, it doesn’t seem like the Washington Wizards will budge off of the chance to select Dybantsa.

A more realistic proposition is trading up to No. 3 and taking Ja Morant’s contract off the Memphis Grizzlies’ hands in the process, but is it really worth it?

Chicago Bulls’ trade rumor with Memphis Grizzlies isn’t too enticing

A potential Bulls-Grizzlies trade has been a hot topic of discussion in recent weeks. The thought is that Chicago would move the No. 4 pick (plus other assets) and receive pick No. 3 and Morant in return. That way, Memphis can rid itself of the final two years of Morant’s contract, and the Bulls could jump one spot.

But would it even make sense for Chicago?

In that scenario, the Bulls would likely be moving up to select Boozer, who might not even be as good of an NBA player as Wilson. Boozer is a gifted scorer, but his lack of athleticism and his defensive shortcomings could pose big problems on the professional level.

Meanwhile, Wilson may very well be the best two-way talent in this draft class and has even drawn comparisons to Kevin Garnett. Why would Chicago take Boozer over Wilson while also taking on Morant’s contract in the process?

The only way I can see this trade making sense is if the Grizzlies plan on drafting Wilson over Boozer. Then, the Bulls would have some incentive to complete the deal. But that doesn’t seem like it’s going to be the case.

Chicago should just stay put and nab Wilson rather than absorbing Morant’s contract for a potentially inferior player in Boozer.

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The Chicago Bulls have one of the more impactful offseasons they are getting into right now. With a pair of lottery picks, they can really change the projection of the franchise with some strong additions. It will be intriguing to see how the front office attacks the NBA Draft. Let’s take a deeper dive into one mock draft and see who they believe the Bulls will add.

The Chicago Bulls land the seemingly consensus fourth pick

CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish curated a 2026 NBA mock draft for the first round. Chicago fans would be excited if the board fell this way. With the fourth pick, Parrish has the Bulls taking North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson.

“Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer and Wilson have been described by some as the clear top-four in this draft with most ranking Wilson fourth among the group. In truth, his ceiling is maybe higher than at least one of the three players expected to go before him – but his floor is probably the lowest of the group because, right now, Wilson is a non-shooter headed to a league that values it. That’s not ideal for a top-five pick. But the athleticism is off the charts, his motor runs great and competitiveness doesn’t appear to be an issue. So, barring a surprise, Wilson won’t go lower than fourth.”

This would not be a surprise as Wilson seems like the consensus fourth pick Wilson looked like a star in the making while playing at North Carolina his freshman season. He finished with 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.5 steals in 31.3 minutes per game. Wilson shot the basketball well, connecting on 57.8% frmo the floor. However, his 25.9% from beyond the arc leaves room to be improved upon. He  has the ability to continue being a star in the NBA as a centerpiece for Chicago and the 6-foot-10 forward can be a difference-maker right away.

The Chicago Bulls also select a guard to close out the lottery

The Bulls have been looking to add some more talent and hold the 15th pick via the Portland Trail Blazers. After adding a wing, this mock draft has Chicago taking Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr. Below is the snippet CBS Sports has for Carr:

 “Carr emerged as a real top-20 option after transferring from Tennessee to Baylor and having one of the biggest breakout years in the sport while averaging 14.1 more points per game than he averaged previously with the Vols. The 21-year-old has long arms and a solid-enough jump shot. In this mock, he lands beside Wilson in Chicago as a major part of the Bulls’ rebuild.”

Carr finished last season averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.9 steals in 33.7 minutes per game. He had a great shooting stroke, recording a 49.4/37.4/80.1 shooting split in 34 games. Having a 6-foot-5 guard who is not afraid to crash the glass is a great building block to pair alongside Josh Giddey.

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The Chicago Bulls are getting ready for the 2026 NBA Draft as they hold the fourth and 15th picks in the first round. They have holes in their roster heading into the offseason that they need to plug up. Getting a player who is a perfect fit would be a significant step in the right direction for the franchise. Let’s take a deeper dive into who one outlet believes is the best fit for the Bulls in this year’s draft.

The Chicago Bulls are a perfect fit for Caleb Wilson

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report wrote an article discussing the best and worst fits for each projected lottery player in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Bulls were listed here as the best fit for one prospect, Caleb Wilson. Below is what Buckley wrote about why the fit is perfect for the two sides.

“Whenever the Bulls talk about their new SLAP philosophy-stressing size, length, athleticism and physicality-it feels like they’re describing Wilson. Beyond the stylistic fit, he would benefit from a pass-first point guard like Josh Giddey since creation is one of Wilson’s biggest question marks. That said, if Wilson ever added that to his arsenal, there’s really no one blocking his path for exploration and growth.”

If Wilson is selected with the fourth pick by the Bulls, he would be an excellent star for the Chicago frontcourt. The freshman forward recorded 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 31.3 minutes per game with North Carolina. His shooting needs to improve as he gets further from the basket. Wilson finished with a 57.8 shooting percentage, 25.9 3-point percentage, and 71.3 free-throw percentage.  He’s also made it known he’s ready to bring Chicago back if Wilson gets selected there.

Chicago has Patrick Williams, Jalen Smith, Matas Buzelis, and Noa Essengue as forwards under contract for next season. Muohamadou Gueye and Leonard Miller are also on club options, so there are options already on the roster at forward. Playing with Giddey would significantly improve his ability to be a star, not needing to bring the ball up. It will be intriguing to see if Wilson winds up being the star for Chicago going forward.

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With the Chicago Bulls holding the No. 4 and No. 15 overall picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, they have the chance to speed up their rebuild. That would require them to land two starters right away with the picks, but they would at least be off to a good start.

At No. 4, the Bulls are likely going to get one of the three of Caleb Wilson, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer barring any big surprises. However, what they do at No. 15 is the biggest question mark moving forward. With Chicago’s roster as it stands now, the Bulls have room to address any position they want in the draft.

This draft is considered a strong one in terms of talent from 1-10 which could lead the Bulls to potentially look at moving up.  But could they actually get into the top 10? That’s their target according to a new report.

Chicago Bulls targeting trade up into top 10?

The Bulls are still in search of a new head coach but with Bryson Graham running the show, they could get aggressive in the weeks leading up to the draft. And that’s exactly what a new report suggests they are doing.

Per Brett Siegel, the Bulls are targeting three players in a potential move up into the top 10. Siegel mentions Mikel Brown, Kingston Flemings and Keaton Wagler as players Chicago is interested in.

There has been a lot of chatter recently about the Bulls seeing what the cost would be to move up from No. 15 into the top 10 of this year's draft to grab one of the top guard prospects.

Mikel Brown, Kingston Flemings, and Keaton Wagler are all of interest to Chicago. https://t.co/T992MdHNLc

— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) June 8, 2026

If the Bulls do come away with Wilson or Boozer, adding any of those three would be a bonus. Chicago has the ammo to move up as they can give up No. 15 overall and a future pick if needed.

As the rumors continue to swirl, it will be interesting to see what happens with the Bulls in terms of a trade. They could also stay put and try to land an impact player at 15 as well. The good news is that they should have options to do what they want.

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The Chicago Bulls should be one of the more compelling NBA teams to watch this summer, as they are teeming with cap space and possess two top-15 picks in the draft. That includes the No. 4 overall selection thanks to some luck in the lottery.

The Bulls have a new top executive in Bryson Graham, who will surely want to mold the roster to his own style and standards. While that will certainly include perusing the free-agent market for answers, Graham may also want to look inward.

Chicago’s roster isn’t great, but it definitely has some pieces. We already know about Matas Buzelis, who appears to be a budding star in the Windy City. Josh Giddey is a trade candidate and could fetch something rather nice given his team-friendly contract.

Then, there is big man Leonard Miller, whom the Bulls acquired in the trade deadline deal that sent Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Chicago has a $2.4 million club option on Miller for next season, but Morris Bankston of Pippen Ain’t Easy thinks a more long-term scenario is in play.

Chicago Bulls could extend Leonard Miller

Miller played very well during his time with the Bulls this past season, averaging 11.7 points and 5.8 rebounds over 23.1 minutes per game on 55.5/35.6/76.2 shooting splits.

The 22-year-old didn’t really get an opportunity to shine with the Timberwolves, but considerable playing time opened up for him during his 23 games with Chicago. He took advantage of it, and now, he may have established himself as a core piece for the Bulls moving forward.

“The Bulls could decline Miller’s team option and extend him on a contract upwards of $52.4 million for three years, per Keith Smith of Spotrac, which averages out to approximately $17.5 million per year,” Bankston wrote. “At a still relatively young age of 22 with only three NBA seasons logged, Miller’s contract extension at its maximum projected amount would be a manageable cap hit for the Bulls.”

A former second-round pick who opted to jump directly to the G-League rather than playing college basketball, Miller has clear potential as a floor spacer with the ability to defend multiple positions on the other end. He is still very raw and is an obvious work in progress, but he flashed considerable ability in 2025-26.

Graham loves long, wiry defenders, so the 6-foot-10 Miller — who possesses a 7-foot-2 wingspan — could be right up his alley.

At the very least, the Bulls will almost certainly exercise Miller’s option, but there is also significant value in extending him now to lock him in at an affordable price while also turning him into a very viable trade candidate.

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The Chicago Bulls are coming off of a disappointing 31-51 season that sees them searching for a positive path forward. At the end of the 2025-26 campaign, head coach Billy Donovan stepped down from his position. He had no desire to move forward with Chicago’s new front office leadership.

Donovan did not exactly have the most successful run as the Bulls head coach. Chicago only made the NBA Playoffs once in his six seasons at the helm. That year, the 2021-22 season, was also the only time in his tenure that the team finished with a winning record.

Now that Donovan will no longer be on the bench, the Bulls are hopeful that their next hire will be more successful than their more recent coaches.

The Chicago Bulls have narrowed their head coach candidate list down to 4 names

Over the course of the last several months, the Bulls have been interviewing multiple candidates with a wide variety of different backgrounds. According to KC Johnson, they have narrowed their search down to four names:

Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt, Trail Blazers acting coach Tiago Splitter and assistant Wes Unseld Jr. (@TheSteinLine 1st). We also discussed likelihood of Unseld Jr. and potentially other assistants staying on staff if Unseld Jr. isn’t the hire

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 10, 2026

Micah Nori has been an assistant coach in the NBA since 2009 and is also a finalist for the Portland Trailblazers head coaching vacancy. He has been with the Minnesota Timberwolves as their lead assistant since 2021.

Ryan Schmidt, currently with the Atlanta Hawks, was the head coach of College Park Skyhawks from 2023-2024. Prior to that, he was an assistant coach with the G-League’s Raptors 905 from 2017-2021.

Tiago Splitter, a former professional basketball player in Brazil, Europe, and the NBA, was the interim head coach of the Trailblazers this past season. He led them to a 42-40 record and their first appearance in the NBA Playoffs since 2021.

Wes Unseld Jr. was the head coach of the Washington Wizards from 2021-2024. When he was let go from that position, he joined Donovan’s staff in Chicago.

More Chicago Bulls news from ChiCity Sports

• Bulls linked in compelling trade rumor for player compared to Knicks star
• Bulls’ “perfect pick” in 2026 NBA Draft revealed
• Bulls connected to shocking Matas Buzelis trade that could ruin their future

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bulls should be looking to do a lot of wheeling and dealing this summer. They possess expansive cap room and own pick Nos. 4 and 15 in the NBA Draft, so they should have plenty of opportunities to improve their roster.

While the Bulls are expected to be major players in free agency, they could also be very active on the trade market, especially with new top executive Bryson Graham aiming to build the team his way.

Chicago won’t be swinging any blockbuster deals for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it could absolutely make significant trades elsewhere, especially for players that fit Graham’s mold. Graham specifically wants to improve the Bulls’ defense, so three-and-D guys could be on his radar.

There are no shortage of intriguing wings who fill that role in today’s game, so Chicago should be able to find a solution in the coming weeks.

On that note, Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy has pitched one intriguing name in particular, tabbing Oklahoma City Thunder swingman Aaron Wiggins as a possible candidate.

Chicago Bulls linked to trade for Aaron Wiggins

Wiggins just completed his fifth NBA season in a supplemental role for the Thunder, playing in 65 games with 21 starts in 2025-26. During his time on the floor this season, he averaged 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds over 21.8 minutes a night on 43.1/35.6/73.6 shooting splits.

It was actually a bit of a down year for Wiggins, especially after he registered 12 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three-point range the season prior. So perhaps a change of scenery would do him some good.

“His averages jump to 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per 36 minutes from 2024-26. Those numbers, including his 2.6 3-pointers made per night, would be more indicative of his potential production in Chicago, where he’d go from an end-of-bench option to a core rotation piece,” Hanlon wrote. “Wiggins is also a versatile point-of-attack defender. His length and athleticism allow him to switch and pester ball handlers across all three backcourt positions.”

Hanlon went as far to liken Wiggins to New York Knicks wing Mikal Bridges, a player who broke out once he was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets midway through the 2022-23 campaign. It’s also easy to see similarities based on their size and style of play.

Given that Thunder general manager Sam Presti surely wants to shed some money this summer, a Wiggins trade wouldn’t be out of the question, and if he does become available, the Bulls would be wise to inquire.

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With the 2026 NBA Draft just a few weeks away, things should become more and more clear for teams in that top four. For the Chicago Bulls, they hold pick No. 4 and are likely going to land either Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson.

That’s barring a big surprise of AJ Dybantsa not going No. 1 overall.

As Chicago moves forward with a new regime, hitting big on pick No. 4 could be a difference in a fast rebuild or a slow rebuild. They also have pick No. 15 in the first round, giving them the chance to land two contributors right away. But which player at No. 4 is the best fit?  One NBA analyst revealed it for the Bulls.

Caleb Wilson named the perfect fit for Chicago Bulls

Here is what Christopher Kline of FanSided had to say about Wilson and the fit for the Bulls:

Caleb Wilson was sidelined with a wrist injury late in the season, but he did more than enough to cement himself as a top-four pick. The conversations around Wilson leapfrogging Boozer or Peterson are understandable, but ultimately it feels like a stretch. Wilson is the perfect culture-builder and two-way engine for this Bulls team, and those above Chicago needn’t overthink it.

Wilson is a preposterous athlete, with unbelievable range and competitive fervor on the defensive end. He skies for weak-side blocks and smoothly handles switches on the perimeter. He’s a bit prone to mental lapses on that side of the ball, which are a smidge underdiscussed, but the physical tools and mentality point to future All-Defense upside. On the other end, Wilson dunks everything. He’s equal parts nimble and explosive, although he needs to expand his shooting range and add more strength to better handle crowds.

If Wilson is the pick at No. 4, it would line up with what most mock drafts have. He may not be superstar ready just yet but he has the potential and skill set to develop. He could have the highest ceiling as well.

His confidence is also something that stands out as he’s said numerous times he can change a culture. It feels like a natural fit for the Bulls and Wilson.

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The Chicago Bulls are entering a crucial offseason in which they will have a brilliant opportunity to build a legitimate contender going forward, but they have to be extra careful to make the right moves.

The Bulls are loaded with cap room and own pick Nos. 4 and 15 in the NBA Draft, so they definitely have the ammunition they need to add some significant pieces this summer. But could Chicago do something wild and try to consolidate some of its assets for one player?

There has been some speculation that the Bulls could try to swing a trade with the Washington Wizards to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, which they would then almost surely use to select BYU star AJ Dybantsa. But how much would Chicago be willing to surrender in such a deal?

Well, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley apparently thinks the Bulls would be open to giving up a gargantuan haul to snatch Dybantsa, even going as far to say that Chicago would include Matas Buzelis in the package.

Chicago Bulls linked to shocking Matas Buzelis trade

Buckley’s proposal features the Bulls sending Buzelis and both of their first-round picks to the Wizards in exchange for the top overall selection. A hefty price to pay, indeed.

“Do the Bulls see cornerstone potential in Buzelis? What about Caleb Wilson? How about whichever prospect they realistically think could make it to pick No. 15? If they can’t find a resounding ‘Yes!’ to any of those inquiries, then this trade kind of sells itself,” Buckley wrote.

The general consensus is that Wilson will be available if Chicago stays put at No. 4. The question is whether or not the Bulls really think Dybantsa is that much better of a prospect than Wilson, because a legitimate argument can be made that the latter is actually the best two-way talent in the draft.

Plus, Buzelis flashed star potential during his second NBA season, averaging 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds over 29.2 minutes per game on 46.3/34.9/78.6 shooting splits. It should also be mentioned that this is a pretty deep draft class, so Chicago could also land a pretty good player at No. 15.

Is all of that really worth it for Dybantsa? It’s something the Bulls really need to ask themselves, because if they offered that trade package, I actually have a hard time believing the Wizards would say “no” unless they are completely in love with Dybantsa, which is always a possibility.

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Sunday was a very sad day for many Chicago Bulls fans. The Bulls analyst Stacey King tragically passed away at the age of 59.

King starred for the Oklahoma Sooners in the 1980s. He helped lead Oklahoma to the national championship game in 1987-1988. The Chicago Bulls made King the No. 6 overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft, and he went on to win three NBA championships with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during their first three-peat.

While his playing career didn’t match his draft position, that never defined him. He later became a successful broadcaster who is connected to the glory of the past, while having the tough task of watching the present Bulls basketball.

Chicago didn’t remember him for what he wasn’t. Instead, they will remember him for who he became later.

After the dynasty ended, the Bulls didn’t just decline — they collapsed. The post‑Jordan years were brutal. The rebuilds were endless. The basketball was often unwatchable. Instead, they have become irrelevant. Even worse, the franchise did not seem to care at all under owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

And yet, night after night, King gave us famous phrases that made you smile. This was true even if the season was going nowhere:

“Give me the hot sauce!” — Often yelled when a Bulls player knocks down a clutch three-pointer or makes a big shot
“Let me step back and kiss myself!” — Exclaimed after a player creates space with a step-back jumper and hits the shot
“Too big, too strong, too fast, too good! — A staple during the Derrick Rose era to describe his unstoppable drives

Whether it was with Neil Funk or Adam Amin, King’s humor and flair meshed beautifully with both of them and carried Bulls fans through some of the franchise’s darkest years.

For a generation of fans who did not grow up watching him play and were born long after the dynasty, King was Bulls basketball.

King’s commentary wasn’t for everyone. He was loud, animated, full of catchphrases, and unapologetically himself. Fans from other teams and media often made fun of him. But that was exactly why he mattered to the Bulls fan.

In an era where sports have often become too corporate and disconnected from the average fan more than ever, his voice, his energy, his humor — they became part of the fabric of Bulls basketball. King will be remembered for making the Bulls basketball matter, even when the standings said it didn’t.

His voice will echo in this city forever.

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The Chicago Bulls are expected to be very active this offseason, as they have a wealth of cap room to utilize and a pair of first-round draft picks that they could dangle in trades.

The Bulls probably won’t be moving the No. 4 overall selection (unless, of course, they trade up), but the 15th pick could be in play and may be included in a package to land an established veteran player for their roster.

But who could Chicago pursue?

There might be plenty of players available for trade this summer, depending on how things shake out. However, that does not necessarily mean that any of them will be the right fit for the Bulls, especially as they enter a new era under fresh top executive Bryson Graham.

Jack Simone of Pippen Ain’t Easy, though, has identified a couple of players who could largely benefit Chicago next season: Denver Nuggets forwards Aaron Gordon and Cameron Johnson.

Chicago Bulls linked to trade with Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets would surely love to re-sign Peyton Watson in free agency, and they may need to part with one of Gordon or Johnson to do that.

Simone sees that as the perfect opportunity for the Bulls to jump in and acquire some value.

“Last summer, they traded Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Johnson. The Nets took on MPJ’s bad contract and have since helped him revive his trade value,” Simone wrote. “The Bulls should try to do the same thing with either Gordon or Johnson this summer. Gordon is on a long-term contract, and Johnson will be on an expiring deal. Both could be valuable to certain teams in the right situations. It would just be up to the Bulls to either flip one of the guys right away or let them play next season and improve their value before moving them.”

Gordon was very productive during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 16.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on 49.7/38.9/76.7 shooting splits. However, injuries limited him to just 36 games, marking the second straight year he was largely inhibited my health issues.

Meanwhile, Johnson posted 12.2 points and 3.8 boards a night while shooting 48 percent from the floor and 43 percent from three-point range over 54 contests.

Both players are very valuable pieces when healthy, so perhaps Chicago would land one of them and hope they remain on the court next season. The Bulls could then flip one of them to a contender at the trade deadline.

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The GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James continues on despite some questions about the future of James. After another season in the books, there are some questions surrounding James’ future and where he will play next season.

James just completed his 23rd season overall and his eighth with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although his season ended with a sweep at the hands of Oklahoma City, James still played well this past season.

But now his agent and close friend is making headlines early in the offseason with a comment he made about Jordan.

Rich Paul takes dig at Michael Jordan

Rich Paul has established himself as a key agent in sports as the founder of Klutch Sports Group. But on a recent podcast, he had a take that is making the rounds on the internet regarding Jordan and teammate Scottie Pippen.

Paul claims that Jordan wouldn’t have won any championships without Pippen. Here is what he said on his “Game Over” podcast:

“If you unplug Scottie Pippen from that team, Jordan’s 0-for-6,” Paul said. “… You could replace him with another All-Star, but just because it’s an All-Star doesn’t mean it’s Scottie Pippen… You’re talking about a guy that’s 6’9″ who plays both sides of the ball. He’s got a 7’3″ wingspan, he can initiate the offense. You had three guys on that team that were on the All-Defensive Team.”

Look, Pippen was a GREAT player. He was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and the perfect player to play alongside Jordan with the Bulls. He gave the Bulls a really damn good 1-2 punch and often guarded the best player on the opposing team.

I think it’s fair to say Jordan may not have six titles without Pippen but to say he wouldn’t even have one? That’s a bit of a stretch and something that seems like a minor dig at Jordan.

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We are just a few weeks away from the 2026 NBA Draft and for the Chicago Bulls, they have the chance to really get their rebuild going on the right foot.

After making a regime change, the Bulls are moving in a new direction. They will have a very important offseason ahead and with two picks in the top 15, they could come out of this draft with two long-term pieces. Chicago will pick at No. 4 and No. 15 overall. While No. 4 will likely be one of Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson, No. 15 is were it gets real intriguing for them.

Chicago will have a lot of options at 15, just outside of the lottery. Depending on what they want to do, they could go any different way due to how the roster is structured. But will Chicago even stay at 15? One analyst puts out the possibility they could move the pick.

Will Chicago Bulls move pick No. 15?

In his latest mock draft, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor makes his picks and has the Bulls taking Wilson. But what he says about the pick and No. 15 is interesting:

League sources say the Bulls hosted a workout Tuesday featuring four potential lottery picks: guards Keaton Wagler and Kingston Flemings, and forwards Nate Ament and Morez Johnson. Chicago also holds the 15th pick, but it’s more likely than not Wagler, Flemings and Ament (and possibly Johnson) are all gone by that selection. So it has front office executives curious: Could Chicago be open to trading down from this fourth pick? Or could Chicago be looking to trade up from 15th? Or could Chicago shock everyone with the choice here? Time will tell.

O’Connor does have the Bulls staying put and has the Bulls taking Baylor guard Cameron Carr with the pick. Carr would give the Bulls’ some much needed help on the wing.

It’s doubtful the Bulls will move off of No. 4. It doesn’t make sense to do that, especially with all of the needs that they have currently. The chance to take a player like Wilson or Boozer is not something they should pass up unless they can get a legit franchise player in a deal. Moving 15 could be something the Bulls explore but there are just too many holes on this roster.

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It’s been just two days since Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was named the cover athlete for Madden 27. He’s the first Bears’ player to be on the main cover of the game, earning it after a breakout year in 2025.

As anticipation begins for the upcoming game, EA Sports held an event to unveil more details. That included the new trailer featuring Vince Vaughn, new features, and more. While at the “Opening Drive” event, Williams talked about his two different covers of the game for the standard and the deluxe version.

The standard shows Williams doing a “Jumpman” throw similar to the one he had in the NFC Wild Card win over Green Bay. The other is his “Iceman” celebration which was also against the Packers but earlier in the season. The standard version has a bit of a Chicago connection as well, as Williams explained.

Caleb Williams pays homage to Michael Jordan

While at the event, Williams explained that the standard version was him actually paying homage to an iconic photo of Michael Jordan from 40 years ago.

“That’s the position I want to be in but I also wanted to pay respect to MJ, that was more of what it was,” Williams said via CHGO. “It was more of a respect thing. Bringing retro back, not letting people forget that. Doing it on my side of the world in football. Paying respect to that, him and what he was able to do in Chicago. Just honestly want to bring that energy and vibe back. I think we are on the track to do that. We have to keep winning games.”

Williams went on to say that the idea to do the skyline cover was his idea and how he wanted to pay respect to Jordan. That’s pretty damn cool.

The quarterback is on the right track in terms of building his legacy for this city. We already know what Jordan did for this city and what he meant for this city in his playing days. If Williams can stay on that path, he’s going to be a legend.

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If you’ve watched the Chicago Bulls in your life, the name Stacey King should be familiar to you. After his playing career in the NBA and CBA wrapped up, which included winning three titles with the Bulls, he became a coach. From there he took the job as an announcer for the Bulls.

And his passion was felt at the mic.  His signature catch phrases made Bulls’ games enjoyable to listen to as he was the voice of several important plays over the years.

King passed away on Sunday per the Bulls, dying at age 59 with no cause of death given.  Shortly after it was announced that King had passed away, tributes poured in from friends, fans, colleagues and more.

Chicago Bulls release statement on Stacey King

The Bulls released a statement following the reports on social media that King had passed away. They paid tribute to the former Bulls’ forward and current announcer:

“Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history,” Bulls owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades — first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans.

“We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor and passion that he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day.”

Michael Reinsdorf also released a statement on King’s passing:

“Stacey loved being a Bull,” team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf said in a statement. ” You could feel it in everything he did — the way he played, the way he called games, and the way he connected with our fans. He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal.

“Stacey genuinely cared about people, and he made our organization better. We will miss him dearly, and his impact, memory and legacy will remain part of the Chicago Bulls forever.”

Below are more tributes to King via social media:

We are devastated by the passing of Stacey King, a true Oklahoma legend. pic.twitter.com/BJ6tfv57GE

— Oklahoma Basketball (@OU_MBBall) June 7, 2026

Stacey was one of a kind because his passion was authentic and his ability to connect with so many was genuine. His knowledge of the game sometimes got overshadowed by his catch phrases. But man, he knew ball. He welcomed me to broadcast side and made me better RIP to an original pic.twitter.com/He8BJEoCgQ

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 7, 2026

Stacey King treated me with so much warmth and kindness when having me on his podcast over the years. He was just the best guy. Absolutely gutted to hear about his passing. Can’t imagine watching Bulls games without him.

— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) June 7, 2026

There will never be another like Stacey King. So much loss. Thank you for everything.

— Jason Goff (@Jason1Goff) June 7, 2026

King spent his college career at Oklahoma and had his number retired by the Sooners. Before he joined the Bulls’ broadcast booth, he served as the coach of the Rockford Lightning.

The post Tributes pour in after the passing of Chicago Bulls’ announcer Stacey King appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are entering a very compelling offseason in which they will probably be one of the more active teams in the NBA. They are loaded with cap space, own two first-round draft picks and have a new top executive in Bryson Graham who is itching to overhaul the roster.

But will the Bulls actually swing any big moves this summer?

One rumor that has been discussed is Chicago trading up from the No. 4 overall pick in the draft. Some have gone as far to say that the Bulls could target the No. 1 selection, held by the Washington Wizards. Others feel that they may try to move up one spot.

Morris Bankston of Pippen Ain’t Easy falls into the latter category, urging Chicago to move up one spot to No. 3 where the Memphis Grizzlies are currently slated to pick.

What’s more, Bankston thinks the Bulls should try and land Ja Morant in the deal.

Chicago Bulls’ Ja Morant rumors remain constant

This is far from the first time we have heard Morant connected to Chicago over the last several weeks, and it probably won’t be the last, either.

Bankston’s idea features the Bulls sending Josh Giddey and the No. 4 overall selection to the Grizzlies in exchange for Morant, the third pick and future first-round draft compensation. That way, Memphis would be able to get out from under the final two years of Morant’s contract.

Not only that, but the Grizzlies would also be able to land a solid point guard in Giddey on a somewhat team-friendly deal. Bankston added that Chicago should then seek to trade Morant in the final year of his deal to recoup a second-round pick in return.

It’s actually a very clever trade suggestion, and it’s one that both sides might consider (although the price might be a bit steep for Memphis).

The question is, what would the Bulls do with the No. 3 overall pick? Would they stay the course and select Caleb Wilson? Or would they nab the defensively-challenged Cameron Boozer, who probably wouldn’t fit the team as well as Wilson?

I guess Chicago would cross that bridge when it gets there.

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The 2026 NBA Draft is a few weeks away as teams begin their final preparations for the big event. For the Chicago Bulls, they hold pick No. 4 which guarantees them one of the top four prospects if they stay put.

Right now, the consensus is that they will take North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson at No. 4 depending on what the Memphis Grizzlies do at No. 3. There’s also the chance the Utah Jazz make a surprising pick at No. 2 which would push either Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer back to the Bulls.

But if it is Wilson, his confidence is sky high and he knows what he can bring to the franchise.

Caleb Wilson believes he can bring the Chicago Bulls “back”

Wilson oozes confidence and that was the case right when he got to North Carolina for his first season. Now, he’s showing that confidence in the pre-draft process, with the latest being an answer about what he can do for the Bulls if selected No. 4 overall.

During a segment on SportsCenter’s pre-game show for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Wilson was asked by Chicago native Iman Shumpert how he feels like he could step in and help going to a situation like that. Wilson’s answer? He wants to bring them back to the glory days.

“I’m a winner. I’m going to change that culture and bring it back to what it was, for sure,” Wilson said. “It’s a great pipeline, North Carolina to Chicago.”

CALEB WILSON JUST SAID ON SPORTSCENTER THAT IF HE IS DRAFTED BY THE BULLS HE WILL CHANGE THE CULTURE! pic.twitter.com/D2kYK9KSl9

— BullsKickAss (@Bullskickass) June 3, 2026

The Bulls have really struggled for the past decade, having not won a playoff series since the 2014-2015 season. It’s a big reason why they are undergoing a new rebuild.

But this time, the Bulls have the chance to land one of the top players in this draft.

Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game at North Carolina. He set the tempo for the Tar Heels and when he kissed significant time towards the end of the year, it was clear the Tar Heels missed him.

If Wilson is the pick, let’s hope he can find success in the Windy City.

The post Caleb Wilson vows to bring Chicago Bulls back if drafted by franchise appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are certainly in a good position heading into the NBA offseason. They are armed with a wealth of cap room to make some noise in free agency, and they also own the fourth and 15th overall picks in the draft.

The Bulls won just 31 games this season and have posted only one winning campaign over the last decade, so clearly, they need a reboot. But this summer presents them with the perfect opportunity to do just that.

As far as the draft is concerned, the general consensus is that Chicago will just take whoever is left between Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson at No. 4 and proceed from there, but there have also been some rumblings that the Bulls could try to trade up to the No. 1 overall pick — owned by the Washington Wizards — to select AJ Dybantsa.

But should Dybantsa really be the top target for Chicago? Or should the Bulls be looking elsewhere?

Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy has identified who he feels should actually be Chicago’s end game later this month: Darryn Peterson.

Chicago Bulls urged to trade up for Darryn Peterson

It would be shocking if the Wizards didn’t take Dybantsa at No. 1 so long as they keep the pick, so just about everyone assumes that the Utah Jazz will then snatch Peterson at No. 2.

However, Hanlon feels that the Bulls should absolutely be looking to swing a trade with the Jazz so they can nab the University of Kansas product.

“Standing pat and taking Peterson is certainly an option for Jazz president Austin Ainge. But if Ainge believes Peterson, Boozer and Wilson are on the same level as prospects, trading No. 2 to the Bulls for Nos. 4 and 15 becomes an attractive, and, frankly, smart option,” Hanlon wrote.

This ultimately depends on how highly Utah values Peterson, because getting pick Nos. 4 and 15 in exchange for No. 2 is actually fantastic value. To be quite frank, I’m not even sure that’s something Chicago should consider.

This is a pretty deep draft, so the Bulls can come away with Wilson at No. 4 and then turn around and land another impactful player with their second first-round selection. Is Peterson really worth that? It’s debatable.

There are some who view Peterson as the best talent in this draft class, but there is no doubt there are questions surrounding him, and Wilson may have the higher ceiling as a potential two-way star.

It’s an intriguing thought, but Chicago would probably be better off standing pat.

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The Chicago Bulls are gearing up for one of the more critical offseasons in recent memory for the franchise. They have some of the most cap space to improve the roster and four draft picks in this month’s draft. One of the biggest free agent names that they have been linked to could wind up in the Windy City. Let’s take a look at the latest news surrounding him and discuss why the Bulls are more than in the mix to land him.

Austin Reaves wants max money this offseason

Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times was on Spectrum Sportsnet Live and revealed some news regarding free agent Austin Reaves. It is a good sign for the Bulls if they want to end up signing him.

“[Reaves] stands to make five years, $241 million if they offer him that deal. Or if he gets to a team like the Chicago Bulls, or a team like Brooklyn, he can get four years, $178 million. Those teams will kind of lurk around. But based on what I understand, what I keep hearing: Austin wants the max. Is he willing to give the Lakers a hometown deal? I’m not so sure about that.”

If it is purely about the money for Reaves, there is a chance that he will not be with the Los Angeles Lakers next season. They have questions with Reaves, LeBron James, and DeAndre Ayton all being free agents, so some or all could be leaving the team this offseason. For the Bulls, they have a significant amount of cap space and can offer Reaves max money to join.

Reaves is an intriguing player for Chicago. Bryson Graham, the Executive Vice President of the franchise, brought upon SLAP for players (speed, length, athleticism, physicality) and Reaves could fit that mold. Reaves missed time with a strained left calf and a Grade 2 left oblique strain. In 51 games, he averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.1 steals on 49.0/36.0/87.1 shooting splits last year. His shooting dropped almost 10 percent from the floor and three in the postseason.

If Reaves decides to leave the Lakers, the Bulls seem to be one of the most likely destinations. It will be intriguing to see what Reaves and the Bulls decide to do this offseason.

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The Chicago Bulls own the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft later this month, and the general consensus is that they will end up selecting who is remaining between Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.

The prevailing thought is that Wilson will be the name still on the board for the Bulls once they are on the clock, so they are expected to nab the University of North Carolina product and then start thinking about what they will do with the 15th pick.

But is it possible that Chicago could bypass Wilson altogether and do something entirely different?

Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy isn’t ruling it out, suggesting that the Bulls could ultimately trade out of the No. 4 spot and move down in the draft order to select Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., who could serve as a replacement for Josh Giddey.

But would Chicago really pass up on the opportunity to steal Wilson?

Chicago Bulls linked to surprising Mikel Brown Jr. move

Brown is certainly a unique prospect. He is a 6-foot-5 point guard capable of both scoring and facilitating, and if it weren’t for Darryn Peterson, he would surely be viewed as the top guard prospect in this year’s class.

“Passing on Wilson would be a gamble, no doubt. But Brown’s elite ability as a three-level scorer and playmaker is perhaps second only to Darryn Peterson in this draft,” Hanlon wrote.

Hanlon loves Brown’s offensive versatility, which is something the Bull sorely need.

“But he’s not just a scorer; he’s also a standout playmaker, especially out of the pick-and-roll. He uses his threat as a shooter to drag defenders toward him and spread an array of passes to rollers and open teammates,” Hanlon added.

The problem with Brown is his defensive inconsistency. While he has the tools to be a good defender, he has yet to put it all together, and with new top executive Bryson Graham making it clear he wants a team full of nasty defensive players, Brown might not be his cup of tea.

Wilson, on the other hand, could be the best two-way player in this draft and would fill a massive need for Chicago as a defensive anchor in the frontcourt.

Brown would be tempting, especially if the Bulls can acquire some other capital in the process. But I’m just not sure snubbing Wilson would be the right move.

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The Chicago Bulls are getting prepared for one of the most important offseasons in recent memory. They have four picks in the 2026 NBA Draft and a significant amount of cap space to use in free agency. Chicago has some holes in its roster that they need to address before the 2026-27 season begins. While there are needs for the Bulls, there is one that is significant enough that it seems to be priority No. 1. Let’s take a closer look at what it is for Chicago and how they can address it during the NBA Draft.

The Chicago Bulls need to select a center in the 2026 NBA Draft

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz wrote an article highlighting what the biggest needs for all 32 teams are heading into the 2026 NBA Draft. For the Bulls, he highlighted the need to get a center. Below is his explanation of why he believes this to be the biggest need.

“The Chicago Bulls have pivoted to a rebuild and should probably take the best player available with all four of their draft selections. The biggest position of need? Center. Jalen Smith is the only center-ish player on the roster for the next season, although he logged 32 percent of his minutes at power forward last year.

“The bad news for Chicago is that this isn’t a center-rich draft. Caleb Wilson is the overwhelming favorite to go to the Bulls at No. 4, although his 6’9″, 210-pound fram screams forward more than it does small-ball five. The Bulls should hope that Michigan’s Aday Mara falls to them at 15, as his 7’3″ frame and 7’6″ wingspan could anchor their defense for years to come.”

The Bulls have some decisions they could make in terms of the center position. They are projected to select Caleb Wilson, and he has the potential to play some center in the NBA. If they are not able to draft Mara, the next-best option might be Washington’s Hannes Steinbach. Of course, they can always address the center position in free agency rather than the NBA Draft. Jalen Duren is a restricted free agent this offseason, so they can place an offer and hope the Detroit Pistons do not match. In terms of young talent, they can re-sign Nick Richards or go after a player like Mitchell Robinson or Jaxson Hayes in unrestricted free agency. It will be intriguing to see how the Bulls plan on addressing the center spot for their roster.

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The Chicago Bulls are entering the NBA offseason with ample cap room and are expected to be one of the biggest players in free agency. They also possess a pair of first-round draft picks, including the No. 4 overall selection, so it should be an exciting summer for Bulls fans.

Chicago won just 31 games this past season and has posted a winning campaign only once over the last decade, so the fanbase is certainly starving for some form of success.

While the Bulls won’t just transform into title contenders overnight, they can certainly take some significant steps in building a foundation in the coming weeks, and new top executive Bryson Graham might be just the man for the job.

But will Chicago actually be able to strike big on the free-agent market next month?

Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus isn’t so sure, and his latest prediction might aggravate Bulls fans.

Chicago Bulls land rough free agency prediction

In a piece where Pincus made predictions for some of the top free agents, the Bulls were conspicuously absent in terms of landing spots.

Names like Jalen Duren, Austin Reaves, Peyton Watson and Ayo Dosunmu (who has been linked to a potential reunion with Chicago) were all projected to sign elsewhere, leaving the Bulls with a whole bunch of cap room and not a whole lot of solutions.

That would be enough for Chicago fans to rage, but I will say this: it might not be the worst thing in the world.

This year’s free-agent class features a whole lot of potential fool’s gold, particularly when it comes to players like Duren and Reaves. Giving either player max money could end up being a major mistake for the Bulls long term, so they might be better off avoiding handing out any massive contracts.

There are still plenty of other names that would make sense for Chicago, and they would come much cheaper. Perhaps those are the options the Bulls should explore.

Chicago could also peruse the trade market to see if there are any answers there, especially with the Bulls having an impressive stash of assets.

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Betting on your favourite NBA team can be a thrilling way to enjoy the basketball season. For those looking at the Chicago Bulls, this season offers a chance to engage in a strategic and enjoyable pursuit. In this guide, we will explore Arena Plus slots options and strategies for betting on the Bulls, along with an analysis of their on-court prospects, promising players to watch, and key games to focus on this year.

Understanding the Chicago Bulls’ Line-up

The success of any team bet highly depends on understanding the squad’s composition and chemistry. The Chicago Bulls boast a mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic young talent. From all-star calibre players who have been the face of the franchise to upcoming rookies eager to make their mark, knowing who is on the court is crucial.

Past performances, injuries, and current form should guide your betting decisions. Keep a close eye on key players as their health and performance greatly influence the team’s success rate in matches, directly affecting betting outcomes.

Key Bulls Games to Watch

Not all games hold the same weight. High-stakes games, such as those against arch-rivals or key conference opponents, carry a different set of dynamics and energies. These games are where the pressure is elevated, and the performances are at their peak. Watching these moments and understanding the patterns and mindsets can provide insightful betting opportunities.

Matches scheduled for national television also tend to bring out higher performances. The Bulls occasionally play in these spotlight games where player peaks can be leveraged for better win odds in betting.

Types of Bets to Consider

There are multiple betting options to explore. Simple bets such as predicting the winner or going more nuanced with over/under bets on specific game totals are popular. Additionally, futures bets, which involve long-term predictions like the Bulls’ performance across the entire season, offer a different dimension of betting.

Investigate prop bets which zero in on player-specific performances or game-specific statistics, providing a micro-level betting sphere. There is a wide range of possibilities and understanding each type can enhance your betting strategy with the Bulls.

Effective Strategies for Betting on the Bulls

Having a sound strategy is key to successful betting. Incorporate statistics, both current and historical, and combine these with knowledge and gut feeling. Evaluate home vs. away game performances as the United Center often exudes a different energy for the Bulls.

Moreover, staying informed with live updates and news on injuries or lineup changes can provide a critical betting edge. Adapting and making decisions swiftly relative to real-time data can often be the difference between a win or a loss.

Responsible Betting Practices

Engaging in sports betting should always be seen as an entertaining pastime. Set clear financial limitations to ensure that betting remains an enjoyable activity. Remember, even the most researched bets might not always pan out as expected due to the unpredictable nature of sports.

Never bet more than you’re prepared to lose, and view each wager as an entry into a more exciting spectator experience rather than a financial investment. With responsible betting, you can enjoy the NBA season, support the Bulls, and perhaps find occasional victory through well-thought-out bets.

With this guide, you now have the insights needed to approach the NBA season with a strategic eye on the Chicago Bulls. Remember, while betting can add a new layer of excitement, it should always be enjoyed responsibly and ethically.

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The Chicago Bulls will enter another rebuild this offseason after an unsuccessful season in 2025-26, again. They unloaded talent at the NBA Trade Deadline to acquire a handful of second-round picks. Just over a month later, they moved on from this regime and cleared house.

Now, the team is putting everything in the hands of Bryson Graham who is the lead executive in the Bulls’ front office. This will be Graham’s first offseason in charge and it’s key that he gets it right. The Bulls do have two first-round picks to work with which is a great start as it includes the No. 4 overall pick.

However, free agency could be the true test for him in terms of getting this rebuild off to a good start. And the latest rumor has them connected to a restricted free agent forward.

Tari Eason is a name to watch for Chicago Bulls

At pick No. 4, the most likely scenario is North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson falling to the Bulls. They could also have the opportunity to draft Cameron Boozer if the Memphis Grizzlies go with Wilson instead. But what happens if someone like Darryn Peterson falls to four for the Bulls and they take the guard instead of a forward?

That could open the door for someone like Tari Eason to make his way to Chicago. The Chicago Sun-Times’ Joe Cowley wrote on Eason and the Bulls, calling him a name to watch:

FREE AGENCY: Graham’s no-shortcut approach carries a lot of weight in what the Bulls will do with all their salary-cap money, meaning it won’t be spent unwisely. A name to keep an eye on is restricted free agent Tari Eason, but that would play out only if something unforeseen happens with the No. 4 pick.

Eason is a restricted free agent after he and the Houston Rockets couldn’t come to a long term agreement. Despite some struggles this season, Eason was strong in the playoffs for the Rockets.

In 60 games this year, he averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 41.6 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from the three-point line.

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As the calendar has flipped to June, the 2026 NBA Draft is just a few weeks away. For the Chicago Bulls, they hold pick No. 4 and No. 15 in the first round. With a rebuild underway, this draft is a good chance for the Bulls to get off to a good start.

At No. 4, the Bulls will have the chance to draft one of the top four players in the draft. The consensus boards have A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer as the top four.

Right now, many have the Bulls landing either Boozer or Wilson depending on what the Memphis Grizzlies do at No. 3. But what if things go differently than expected? Could the Bulls end up with someone like Peterson? A new mock draft believes that’s a realistic chance.

Latest mock draft has Darryn Peterson fall to Chicago Bulls

In his updated mock draft, USA TODAY Sports’ Bryan Kalbrosky has a shakeup in the first two picks. He has the Utah Jazz selecting Wilson at No. 2 overall. From there, he has the Memphis Grizzlies going with Boozer and the Bulls taking Peterson.

Bryson Graham, who was recently hired as the new executive vice president of basketball operations for the Bulls, has a simple task: Select whichever of the four players is still available. While he is certainly no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators still feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, he has received ‘largely positive” feedback and was “quiet but serious” during the pre-draft interview process of the combine. Overall, it is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season.

He’s right about Graham’s simple task. Whatever of the four that are there need to be the pick, whether that’s Wilson, Peterson or Boozer, they should be the Bulls’ pick. There’s no reason to overthink it.

As for Peterson, he was once thought of the top prospect in this class going into the season. But an up-and-down year at Kansas due to some cramping issues have hurt his stock a bit. Still, he would be a huge get for the Bulls who have a need for a scoring guard on the wing.

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The Chicago Bulls are entering a pivotal offseason full of hope, as they possess expansive cap room and hold two first-round draft picks. That includes the No. 4 overall selection thanks to some luck in the lottery.

The problem for the Bulls is that they have so many needs that it will be difficult for new top executive Bryson Graham to fill them all in one summer.

But could Chicago get aggressive and try to expedite its rebuild with some daring trades?

Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy thinks it’s a possibility, specifically wondering if the Bulls can somehow add a third top-15 pick to their draft stash (the own pick No. 15, as well). Considering the new anti-tanking rules, Chicago might have a chance.

Hanlon mentioned the Dallas Mavericks as a potential trade partner, wondering if the Mavericks would be interested in moving the No. 9 selection in exchange for some future draft capital.

Chicago Bulls linked to interesting trade with Dallas Mavericks

Remember: starting next year, teams with the three worst records in the NBA with no longer have the best odds of the No. 1 pick. Now, teams with the fourth through 10th worst records will have a better chance, and 11 through 16 will have a shot at the top overall selection, as well.

Hanlon thinks the Bulls can take advantage of this and convince the Mavericks to part with their own top draft choice this year.

“The Bulls have access to all of their first-round picks moving forward. Would a team like the Dallas Mavericks, who are light on future draft assets and on a timeline built around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg, be willing to give up the No. 9 pick for a couple of future firsts? If fewer teams are willing to deal them, Chicago would have a leg up over a good chunk of the league,” Hanlon wrote.

Hanlon then suggests that the Bulls could select Michigan center Aday Mara at No. 9, which would fill a glaring weakness in the middle for Chicago. He also floats Arizona guard Brayden Burries as a possibility.

“The 2027 draft is projected to be far weaker than this year’s; the ninth pick this summer may end up being equivalent to, say, the fourth pick next year. Is it worth grabbing a defensive anchor like Michigan center Aday Mara or a two-way guard like Arizona’s Brayden Burries in exchange for the possibility of landing a better pick in a weaker 2027 class?” Hanlon added.

Having three top-15 picks would also open the Bulls up to even more trade possibilities this month, so this would certainly be an intriguing idea for Chicago.

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The Chicago Bulls continue their head coaching search as the month of May winds down. After a few rumored names were confirmed to be candidates, the Bulls are casting a wide net for their next head coach.

So far, Chicago has zeroed in on multiple assistant coaches. But after seeing Sean Sweeney heading to the Orlando Magic, we can cross that name off of the list. However, we can add a new name and it’s someone who has NBA experience but is currently coaching at the college level.

Chicago Bulls targeting BYU’s Kevin Young?

The latest news regarding the Bulls coaching search comes Friday night. ESPN’s Jamal Collier reported that the Bulls are “casting a wide net for their head coaching search, which includes interest and early conversations with BYU coach Kevin Young, sources told ESPN.”

The Chicago Bulls are casting a wide net for their head coaching search, which includes interest and early conversations with BYU coach Kevin Young, sources told ESPN.

— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) May 30, 2026

That’s one of the first real “wow” names in this Bulls’ coaching search solely because they have focused on current assistants from around the league so far. Now, they are going to the college level.

However, Young has more experience than just being at BYU over his career.

Young was a lead assistant with the Phoenix Suns from 2020-24 before getting hired at BYU. He left Phoenix to pursue a career as a head coach and landed the BYU job. A year later, he landed the top overall recruit in the class with AJ Dybantsa committing. Dybantsa is now set to be the top overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft in just a month.

With Young having experience at the NBA level, this isn’t a bad move for the Bulls. The next steps are to wait and see the interest that Young has in terms of the Bulls job.

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The Chicago Bulls have plenty of holes that need to be addressed this offseason, and luckily, they have the ammunition to fill them. Or to at least get a great head start.

The Bulls are loaded with cap space heading into free agency and are also armed with a pair of first-round draft picks. That includes the No. 4 overall selection thanks to some lottery fortune.

Barring a trade, Chicago is expected to take whoever is left between Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson with its top draft choice, but what the Bulls decide to do at No. 15 is another story.

Will Chicago go with a rim-protecting big man? Will it select a high-octane wing? Or will the Bulls decide to roll with a point guard to fill that gap in the backcourt, especially if Josh Giddey ends up getting traded?

Luckily, this is a pretty deep draft class, so there should be no shortage of options for Chicago in the middle of the first round. The problem is that the Bulls will have to settle on a complicated decision, and G.C. Bellchamber of Pippen Ain’t Easy has identified a potential solution: Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson Jr.

Chicago Bulls urged to select Christian Anderson Jr.

While Baylor wing Cameron Carr has become a popular choice for the Bulls at No. 5, Bellchamber feels that Anderson — who has typically been mocked toward the end of the first round — would be the superior fit.

“As a sophomore at Texas Tech, Anderson averaged a conference-leading 38.4 minutes per game, posting 18.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists while shooting 41.5% from 3-point range. He’s a touch smaller than Carr at 6’3″, and his defensive potential will take a hit as a result. But he plays with energy on the defensive end of the court, and he possesses the same intriguing three-level scoring upside that Carr does,” Bellchamber wrote.

Anderson led the Big 12 in assists last season and posted impressive 47.2/41.5/80.5 shooting splits, so there is a lot to like about the Atlanta native. The question is whether or not selecting him at No. 15 would be responsible.

If the Bulls really want Anderson, they could actually try and trade down from the 15th pick to recoup more assets while also landing Anderson, who could definitely serve as a much-needed spark for their offense.

Anderson certainly has some drawbacks, such as the fact that he is a bit undersized (he is probably closer to 6-foot-1 than 6-foot-3), but he is an enticing prospect with great physical tools such as an impressive wingspan. Chicago might need to seriously consider making a move for the Red Raiders star.

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The Chicago Bulls own a couple of first-round picks in this year’s NBA Draft, including the No. 4 overall selection. The general expectation is that the Bulls will select North Carolina Tar Heels star Caleb Wilson with their top pick, but recently, some trade buzz has surfaced regarding Chicago.

The Bulls also possess the 15th overall pick, so there is a chance that they could look to move up in the draft order.

A recent report revealed that Chicago has spoken to the Washington Wizards about the No. 1 pick, which would provide the Bulls with the opportunity to nab BYU standout AJ Dybantsa. But would it be worth it for Chicago?

The Bulls would definitely have to give up both of their first-round draft choices and possibly more for the chance to trade up and take Dybantsa, and for a team with as many holes as Chicago, such a venture would be risky.

G.C. Bellchamber of Pippen Ain’t Easy isn’t so confident it would be the best move for the Bulls.

Chicago Bulls warned to resist the AJ Dybantsa temptation

Bellchamber feels Chicago is in a strong enough position as is and doesn’t need to try and go for the Dybantsa home run next month.

“They’re in possession of all of their future first-round picks, and they already have a budding young star on their roster in Matas Buzelis. Outside of that, though, they need major help,” Bellchamber wrote. “The fourth and the 15th overall selections should be able to provide that. Even at fourth overall, Chicago should be able to nab one of Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson.”

Bellchamber also feels that the Bulls should be able to get a nice player at No. 15, as well.

“This draft class is deep enough, moreover, that the 15th overall pick could also yield an impressive talent. Chicago has been linked to players like Jayden Quaintance, Cameron Carr, Morez Johnson Jr., and even Dailyn Swain in that range,” he added.

The idea of moving up for Dybantsa is definitely tantalizing. After all, he just averaged 25.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game during his lone season at BYU, and his ceiling as a defender is also considered fairly high. But is he really that much better of a prospect than Wilson?

It stands to reason that Wilson could end up being the best two-way talent in this class, and again, the Bulls would also have the ability to net a decent piece with their second first-round draft pick if they hold firm.

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The Chicago Bulls are heading into the NBA offseason with expansive cap space and are expected to be major players in free agency as a result. But will the Bulls actually be able to make any significant signings?

You would figure Chicago would do something, as it won just 31 games this past season and has posted just one winning campaign over the last decade. The Bulls are desperate, and with a new top executive in Bryson Graham, they could get aggressive this summer.

Whether or not it would be in Chicago’s best interest to splurge in this market, however, is another story.

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps just published an article revealing some free-agent intel, and multiple expected Bulls targets might already be out of their range.

Chicago has been tabbed as a destination for both Jalen Duren and Austin Reaves, but their price tags look extravagant. Then there is Mitchell Robinson, a cheaper option who might end up staying with the New York Knicks.

Chicago Bulls are already in trouble heading into NBA free agency

The Bulls need a lot of things going into the summer, but they may have to rely on the NBA Draft and trades to fill those holes.

Bontemps has revealed that Duren is expected to land a contract worth $40 million annually, which is a heck of a lot for a big man with a limited offensive game and offers very little in terms of rim protection. Not only that, but Duren struggled mightily in the playoffs for the Detroit Pistons this year.

Reaves, meanwhile, is also expected to bag over $40 million a year. For a player who faded quite a bit after a tremendous first couple of months of the season, that is an abundant sum of cash, and signing Reaves to such a contract would hamstring Chicago for years to come.

Robinson would represent a terrific affordable option, but Bontemps has reported that the 28-year-old center will likely return to the Knicks, who will probably go well into the second apron next season.

Those are three prime targets the Bulls might not have a chance of landing this offseason. That is, of course, unless they want to break the bank, which is absolutely not a good idea for any of those names.

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The Chicago Bulls earned some lottery luck earlier in the month, landing the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. It’s a big opportunity to kick off this rebuild on a good note.

With this draft being considered a good one at the top, there are four players who have star potential. Between A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson, the Bulls should land one of the four with the latter two being the most likely. For the Bulls, who they get depends on what the Memphis Grizzlies do at No. 3 overall.

The player they don’t take of the four, likely will be the choice for the Bulls. However, a big draft rumor could play a part in that as well.

Is Oklahoma City looking to jump up in potential trade?

With the chance to land either Boozer or Wilson, Chicago sits in a good spot. There haven’t been many concrete reports on who the Bulls prefer at No. 4 overall between Boozer and Wilson. However, if they do have a preference, a new report could put a damper on things.

Per Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, there is a chance the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to move up into that top four. Their target could be Boozer, which if that’s the hope for the Bulls, it could put a dent in the plan.

Here is what Siegel wrote:

“League sources expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to be aggressive when it comes to trade talks regarding the No. 12 and No. 17 picks in this year’s draft,” Siegel wrote. “Given the franchise’s roster crunch and upcoming financial decisions with Isaiah Hartenstein and Luguentz Dort, the overwhelming belief is that the Thunder will not be remaining in these spots.”

As Siegel notes, the Thunder have two first-round picks and would package those as well as potentially a player or two. But is it worth it for a team in the top four to do that?

For Chicago, it doesn’t. The Bulls need to find a star eventually and this might be their best chance. Plus, they hold pick No.15 already, which gives them a crack at another impact player. It’s unlikely you’re going to find a at No. 12 or 17 as good as No. 4, so the risk might not be worth the reward.

If Chicago does prefer one over the other, the Thunder could spoil that for the Bulls. Still, it feels unlikely this would even go down especially with the Thunder’s success again this season.

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The Chicago Bulls coaching search is off and running. Just a few weeks after the team hired Bryson Graham to lead the front office, the team is deep into a coaching search to find the next man in charge in terms of coaching.

After a few of the candidates were identified already, the franchise requested interviews with candidates. That process has continued on as the interview process has begun. But now on Wednesday, we can add a new name to the coaching list.

And it’s someone who the Bulls are familiar with in terms of the NBA Central Division.

Chicago Bulls show interest in Johnnie Bryant

The Bulls list is filled with assistant coaches who are looking to take the next steps in their career. With the Cleveland Cavaliers being eliminated from the NBA Playoffs, assistant coach Johnnie Bryant is getting interest for head coaching jobs. The latest comes from the Bulls.

Marc Spears reported on Wednesday that the Bulls have been granted permission to interview Johnnie Bryant:

“The Bulls have received permission to interview Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie Bryant for their head coach job, a source said. The former University of Utah guard has 12 years of NBA assistant coaching experience and has also been an associate head coach with the Knicks.”

The Bulls have received permission to interview Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie Bryant for their head coach job, a source said. The former University of Utah guard has 12 years of NBA assistant coaching experience and has also been an associate head coach with the Knicks.

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 27, 2026

Bryant has years of experience beginning with the Utah Jazz as a player development coach in 2012. He was promoted to an assistant role there just two years later. Eventually, Bryant left for New York where he spent time as the associate head coach with the Knicks until 2024.

He landed in Cleveland following that and has spent that time under Kenny Atkinson as an associate head coach. Most recently, Bryant was a finalist for the Phoenix Suns job.

For the Bulls, this is another name that’s added to a wide net that has been cast. There are several candidates that have been linked to the job. And it’s clear the Bulls are taking their time with each candidate.

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The Chicago Bulls are entering a pivotal offseason in which they could attempt to overhaul a roster that won just 31 games this past season, especially considering that the Bulls are armed with significant cap space and a pair of first-round draft picks.

The Bulls are expected to be major players in NBA free agency, and considering they possessions pick Nos. 4 and 15 in the NBA Draft next month, they could also be very active on the trade front.

Chicago has already been connected to a variety of players both on the open market and via potential trades, so fans should absolutely buckle up for an exciting summer in the Windy City.

So who exactly will the Bulls pursue? We’ve heard the whispers about Zion Williamson, but the chances of Chicago making a move for an oft-injured star like that seem pretty slim. Then you have Jalen Duren and Austin Reaves, both of whom are risky possibilities in free agency.

But could the Bulls shock everyone and make a serious play for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell? Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy refuses to rule it out.

Chicago Bulls connected to potential Donovan Mitchell trade

Mitchell has two years remaining on his contract with the Cavaliers and has made it clear he would prefer to stay in Cleveland. But would the Cavs consider moving the seven-time All-Star after another embarrassing playoff exit?

“Chicago’s new executive VP of basketball operations, Bryson Graham, has a sound strategy — wisely use draft assets and cap space to acquire young talent and then patiently develop it. But there are always exceptions,” Hanlon wrote. “… Mitchell doesn’t make sense for Chicago at the moment, but teams should never close the door on a top-20 player.”

Hanlon also mentioned Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen as possibilities for the Bulls.

If Mitchell does become available, Chicago may decide to check in. The Bulls certainly have the assets to entice the Cavaliers in a potential trade, and while there are absolutely questions about whether or not Mitchell can be the true No. 1 option on a championship team, you could try to pair him with somebody else.

I actually think Chicago would be better off staying the course rather than splurging on Mitchell, but the Bulls are one of the teams that may decide to make a push for the 29-year-old if he does become available.

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The Chicago Bulls are entering a critical offseason that will ultimately determine the trajectory of their rebuild.

They now have a new top executive in Bryson Graham, two first-round draft picks (including the No. 4 overall selection) and possess expansive cap space they can use to flex their muscles in free agency.

A misstep somewhere could destroy the Bulls’ entire long-term plan, and they surely have to know that.

But because of Chicago’s assets and financial situation, we are hearing the Bulls floated in rumors pretty much everywhere. They have already been tabbed as a top free-agent destination for either Jalen Duren or Austin Reaves, and they have also been mentioned in countless trade rumors.

One potential trade target that has surfaced? New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson, who was pursued by Chicago over the winter (different regime, though). But while Williamson is a big name and an enticing talent, the Bulls should avoid the former No. 1 overall pick at all costs.

Chicago Bulls should steer clear of Zion Williamson

We know that Williamson is immensely talented. He was a freak athlete at Duke, and he displayed that nearly one-of-a-kind athleticism early on in his NBA career.

Well, when he got the chance to, at least.

Williamson’s professional tenure has largely been defined by injuries and fitness issues. Since entering the league in 2019, Williamson has played in a grand total of 276 games. That is an average of 39.4 games per season. He appeared in 62 contests this past year, but that marked just the third time he has done that in seven campaigns.

Not only does Williamson have an incredibly checkered medical history, but he really isn’t as good as most think.

Yes, he’s fun to watch, and he averaged 21 points per game on 60 percent shooting in 2025-26, but he has no perimeter game to speak of, he isn’t a great free-throw shooter, he doesn’t rebound all that well and his defense is almost non-existent due to his lack of lateral quickness and stocky build.

The 25-year-old also has two years and nearly $90 million remaining on his contract, so why would the Bulls surrender legitimate assets for such a player?

I don’t genuinely believe Graham will make a push to trade for Williamson, but we do keep hearing the whispers, and that’s absolutely terrifying.

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As the NBA playoffs roll on, we will soon be down to just two teams battling it out to be named champion this year. But for the rest of the teams, it’s officially the offseason.

The Chicago Bulls enter this offseason with a new regime. A much-needed change happened as the franchise had struggled the past few seasons, either failing to make the playoffs overall or just reaching the play-in round. After years of failure, the hope is that they can finally get this turned around.

That’s now on the shoulders of Bryson Graham.

The new executive Vice President of the Bulls is moving forward with the head coaching search. After a rumored list of candidates, the Bulls are now going into interviews and the candidates list has been reported.

Chicago Bulls’ head coach candidates revealed

Since the Bulls have begun this coach search, a few names have been rumored. Now, Brett Siegel of Clutch Sports is reporting the candidates that Chicago is interested in. The list is as follows:

• Chris Quinn (Miami Heat)
• Micah Nori (Minnesota Timberwolves)
• Sean Sweeney (San Antonio Spurs)
• Dave Bliss (Oklahoma City Thunder)
• Tiago Splitter (Portland Trailblazers)

In addition to the names, Siegel also stated that the interviews for the head coaching role are ongoing:

“Chris Quinn (Miami Heat), Micah Nori (Minnesota Timberwolves), Sean Sweeney (San Antonio Spurs), Dave Bliss (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Tiago Splitter (Portland Trail Blazers) are all names ClutchPoints has confirmed as candidates for the Bulls’ opening,” reported Siegel, who also noted that “Interviews for the head coaching role in Chicago are ongoing.”

With the 2026 NBA Draft just under a month away, a hire will move fast. The Bulls are going to need someone in charge going into that draft process and the free agency period.

As the interviews continue to go on, we move closer and closer to the team finding the next head coach.

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The Chicago Bulls are in a good position to totally hit the reset button this offseason and speed up the rebuild. After hiring Bryson Graham, the search for a new head coach is officially on.

The Bulls are starting to reach out to candidates in terms of interviews and garnering interest. Despite failures the past few seasons, it’s an intriguing job to take. Chicago holds the No. 4 and No. 15 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and has a good cap situation to work with. Graham will have a favorable situation and the hope is that they can somehow land a star player in June’s draft.

But would Chicago even consider a trade in the 2026 NBA Draft? It’s possible according to a new report.

Chicago Bulls’ trade preference revealed in new report

With the Bulls holding the No. 4 overall pick, the chance to get a star is there. This is considered a really good draft led by the top four of A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. If Chicago stays put, they will get one of those four — likely Boozer or Wilson. But could they move the pick?

In his latest mock draft on Clutch Points, Brett Siegel has the Bulls taking Wilson at No. 4. But he noted something interesting:

The Bulls have no interest in trading the No. 4 pick unless they were to move up, sources said, and Graham is focused on building a young, dynamic team with a head coach who can bring energy and relate to his young players. Interviews for the head coaching role in Chicago are ongoing, as sources say the organization will move to the next stage of the process entering the first week of June.

He also noted that the Bulls have talked to the Washington Wizards, as have other teams, about moving up to the No. 1 pick:

As previously reported in our Mock Draft 1.0 before the draft combine, both the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets have held discussions with the Wizards about the No. 1 pick. Sources say the Chicago Bulls have also reached out to the Wizards since the start of the combine, along with the Atlanta Hawks.

Moving up to No. 1 doesn’t seem very likely from a Bulls’ standpoint. However, if they wanted to go up one spot to ensure they get the guy they like the most out of Boozer and Wilson, that makes more sense.

Either way, Chicago could just benefit from staying put at No. 4 and getting a potential star. Then if they can hit on pick No. 15 and make a splash in free agency, it would go a long ways to success.

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The Chicago Bulls are armed with expansive cap room heading into the NBA offseason, so they are expected to make some serious noise this summer.

The Bulls won just 31 games this past year and have only posted one winning campaign over the last decade, so they are starving for success. Luckily, they’ll have a great opportunity to expedite their rebuild in the coming weeks and months, and new top executive Bryson Graham seems determined to make that happen.

Of course, Chicago will have to be careful with how it spends its money in free agency. There have already been numerous top free agents connected to the Bulls, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they would be great fits for the club.

Chicago must tread carefully, and Graham surely understands that.

In the latest set of free agency predictions by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, however, the Bulls were seen on the wrong end of a painful twist.

Chicago Bulls expected to lose Anfernee Simons in ironic fashion

Back at the trade deadline, Chicago acquired Anfernee Simons in a deal with the Boston Celtics, right after the Bulls sent Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets.

Chicago’s decision to jettison White was entirely understandable. White is headed toward free agency himself, and the Bulls did not appear to have any interest in re-signing him. Simons was supposed to replace White as the team’s microwave backcourt scorer the remainder of the season, but he played just six games before going down with a fractured wrist.

Now, Chicago stands to lose Simons to the open market, as well, and Bailey is projecting that Simons will land with none other than the Hornets.

So, not only did Chicago ship White to Charlotte for minimal return, but it might also lose Simons to the Hornets, as well. By the way, Bailey thinks White will sign with the Brooklyn Nets, which is why he thinks Charlotte will pivot to Simons.

Simons averaged 14.3 points per game on 44.0/38.5/89.6 shooting splits this past season. He’s definitely a solid player, and the Bulls will have to find another guard who can match that production, whether that comes via free agency, trade or the NBA Draft.

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The Chicago Bulls are expected to be very active this offseason, as they are teeming with cap space and own a pair of first-round draft picks.

Considering the Bulls have posted just one winning season over the last decade, they absolutely should be desperate to make some moves, and new top executive Bryson Graham might be just the man for the job.

Chicago could make some big plays in free agency, but it also could swing a significant trade with the assets it has at its disposal. The question is, who should the Bulls pursue? They have so many needs up and down their roster, so it’s difficult to pinpoint one area they should target specifically.

Well, perhaps Chicago should just simply go after good players, and Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy has identified a very intriguing potential trade target for the club: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell.

Chicago Bulls linked to trade for Ajay Mitchell

The Bulls could absolutely use a young, talented player in their backcourt, and given the Thunder’s financial crunch, Mitchell could represent a realistic possibility.

“[Sam] Presti may choose to keep Mitchell and instead sell high on [Cason] Wallace, [Lu] Dort or even Jalen Williams. But Chicago’s new head of basketball operations Bryson Graham could — and arguably should — make Presti an offer he can’t refuse,” Hanlon wrote.

There is a whole lot to like about Mitchell.

The 23-year-old averaged 13.6 points, 3.6 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals over 25.8 minutes per game this season, shooting 48.5 percent from the floor, 34.7 percent from three-point range and 87 percent from the free-throw line. It should be noted that he achieved most of that in a bench role.

Mitchell is also a terrific, versatile defender, which is something Chicago badly needs.

The former second-round pick is under team control through 2027-28, with that final year featuring an infinitely affordable $2.85 million club option. For a player of Mitchell’s ability, that is an absolutely massive bargain.

Of course, taking all of that into consideration, the price to acquire Mitchell may be a bit high, so the Bulls would have to be careful. But if the Thunder do make him available, Chicago should at least check in to see what the cost would be.

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The Rise of Basketball Around the World Feels Closer to Chicago Than Ever

Basketball is not just spreading. It is coming back to Chicago in a different shape. The NBA still has its American rhythm, its Christmas games, its playoff noise, its draft-night panic, but the league no longer runs on one basketball accent. The best players now come from Serbia, Greece, Slovenia, Canada, France, Cameroon, Australia, and more.

That matters for Bulls fans. Chicago has always treated basketball like a civic argument, not a casual pastime. The city knows guards, bruisers, defensive wings, bad rebuilds, and front-office anxiety. But the sport around the Bulls has gone global, and pretending otherwise misses where the next great player, coach, or idea may come from.

The NBA Pipeline No Longer Runs One Way

The NBA opened the 2025-26 season with 135 international players from 43 countries across six continents, according to the league. That is not a novelty number. That is roster building.

Nikola Jokić changed how teams think about centers. Giannis Antetokounmpo changed how they think about transition power. Luka Dončić changed how young guards use pace, angles, and patience. Victor Wembanyama changed the conversation before he even finished growing into his own body.

The old scouting map is gone. A front office that ignores Belgrade, Paris, Madrid, Perth, Kaunas, or Dakar is not being traditional. It is being careless.

Why Basketball Travels Better Than Most Sports

Basketball moves because the entry point is low. A full football field is not required. Expensive pads are not required. Nine innings of patience are not required. A hoop, a ball, and a strip of pavement can build a player.

That gives the game a natural advantage in crowded cities. It also makes basketball easy to teach on video. One move becomes a clip. One clip becomes a drill. One drill becomes part of a kid’s game 6,000 miles away.

The growth has been powered by a few obvious forces:

• NBA stars from outside the United States winning major awards
• FIBA tournaments giving national teams real visibility
• 3×3 basketball fitting urban courts and short schedules
• Social media turning skill development into daily content
• Mobile streaming making overseas leagues easier to follow

For Chicago fans, the result is simple. The next player who changes the Bulls’ future may not come from the Big Ten, the SEC, or a blue-blood college program. He may already be playing in a club system most casual fans have never watched.

The Fan Experience Has Gone Global Too

The way people follow basketball has changed as much as the player pool. Fans track usage rate, defensive rating, injury reports, lineup changes, travel spots, and live odds with the same obsession once reserved for box scores. That habit now stretches across NBA nights, EuroLeague afternoons, FIBA windows, and national-team games that hit phones at strange hours. A search for casino in India online can sit inside that wider digital routine when users move between scoreboards, slot sessions, and short-form entertainment. The smarter player still checks rules, RTP, volatility, bankroll limits, and house edge before treating any casino session as anything more than paid recreation.

That is the key shift. Basketball is no longer just a game watched for two and a half hours at night. It is a live data feed, a social thread, a highlight loop, and sometimes a betting screen running beside the game.

FIBA Gave Basketball Its Own Global Pressure

The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup made the point loudly. Germany won the title. Serbia reached the final. Canada took bronze. The United States finished fourth.

That tournament did not feel like an NBA exhibition wearing national colors. It felt serious. The Philippines helped deliver a World Cup attendance record when 38,115 fans watched the host nation face the Dominican Republic at Philippine Arena. That kind of crowd does not show up for a side event.

FIBA basketball also exposes American fans to a different game. The floor feels tighter. The whistle changes. Big men pass more. Guards cannot always live at the foul line. Team chemistry matters because national programs often keep cores together longer than NBA rosters do.

What This Means For The Bulls

The Bulls are stuck in a league where mistakes punish teams for years. Drafting only by highlight clips is dangerous. Ignoring international development is worse. Chicago needs every edge it can get, especially when the franchise is trying to build something more serious than another play-in season.

The Bulls already know the value of international talent. Nikola Vučević brought spacing and passing from Montenegro. Josh Giddey came through Australia’s system before entering the NBA. Those examples are not perfect roster solutions, but they show how modern teams now build with mixed basketball backgrounds.

The next step is sharper evaluation. Can a prospect defend NBA speed? Can his shooting translate from a shorter line? Can he process the game quickly enough when help defense arrives early? Those questions matter more than passport hype.

Mobile Habits Are Changing The Basketball Night

A modern basketball night rarely happens on one screen. Fans watch the Bulls, scroll injury updates, check fantasy matchups, follow another game, and read reactions before the final buzzer. The rhythm is messy, but it is real. When fans decide to download Melbet mobile app, that choice belongs to the same mobile pattern as checking live lines, reading team news, and reacting to late lineup changes. Serious bettors still need discipline because odds movement, variance, and bet settlement rules can turn a good read into a bad night fast.

That is why mobile access has become part of the sport’s ecosystem. Basketball moves quickly. The fan follows quickly. The market reacts quickly.

Chicago Still Has Its Own Basketball Accent

Global growth does not erase local identity. Chicago basketball still has its own edge. The city respects effort, defense, shot-making under pressure, and players who do not drift through possessions. That will not change because a teenager in France has a seven-foot-eight wingspan or a Serbian center throws passes like a point guard.

But the city’s basketball eye has to widen. The best version of the sport is no longer sitting in one country, one league, or one development system. It is scattered across continents, carried by clubs, academies, street courts, national teams, and kids watching clips after midnight.

A Chicago fan can still care about the Bulls first. That is the job. But the game around them is bigger now, louder now, and harder to predict. Same rim. Different map.

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The Chicago Bulls are moving forward with their coaching search this offseason. After putting in requests to interview coaching candidates, the team has now moved forward with at least one interview.

Chicago needs to act fast in terms of finding a coach as we are officially under a month away from the 2026 NBA Draft. From there, there will be free agency so it’s important that the vision for the roster with the head coach matches up with Bryson Graham. It shouldn’t a long process at all and with the team beginning interviews, it could move in a hurry.

On Friday, the Bulls are set to interview a coach that comes from a successful franchise and someone who is a very intriguing option.

Chicago Bulls set to interview Miami Heat’s Chris Quinn

The first known interview in this process will go to Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn as Michael Scotto reported on Friday. Quinn comes from the Erik Spoelstra coaching tree.

The Chicago Bulls will interview Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn as part of their head coaching search, league sources told @hoopshype. Quinn has a strong background in player development and has worked as an assistant coach on Erik Spoelstra’s staff since 2014. pic.twitter.com/AO6FfcXpfU

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 22, 2026

He’s worked under Spoelstra’s staff since 2014 with the Miami Heat, joining them after the back-to-back titles. He was on staff as the Heat made the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023. As Scotto notes, Quinn has a “a strong background in player development.”  That includes working with players like Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.

Quinn played his college basketball at Notre Dame and then had a professional career from 2006-13. During that time, he played for Cleveland, San Antonio, and New Jersey. He also had stops in the G-League as well.

Chicago has also expressed interest in Charlotte’s Lamar Skeeter and Atlanta’s Ryan Schmidt. There are also reports that the Bulls are interested in Dave Bliss (Oklahoma City Thunder), Micah Nori (Minnesota Timberwolves), James Borrego (New Orleans Pelicans), Jerry Stackhouse (Golden State Warriors), Wes Unseld Jr. (Chicago Bulls) and Tiago Splitter (Portland Trailblazers).

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The Chicago Bulls absolutely need to add a big man this offseason, and preferably one that can protect the rim.

The Bulls ranked toward the bottom of the NBA in defense this past year, and much of that had to do with them not having anyone to anchor the back end. With Chicago having plenty of cap space and a couple of first-round picks this summer, it absolutely must rectify that problem.

But while many are focused on the Bulls owning the No. 4 overall selection in the NBA Draft (and understandably so), they also could potentially swing a trade or two to bolster their roster. Given how much new top executive Bryson Graham values length and defense, the path for Chicago seems obvious.

The Bulls will surely be scouring the market for a defensive-minded center in the coming months, and where they find it is anyone’s guess.

In the meantime, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale has identified an intriguing — but risky — trade option for Chicago: Dallas Mavericks big man Dereck Lively II.

Chicago Bulls could trade for Dereck Lively II

Lively has spent the first three years of his career with the Dallas Mavericks, but due to his checkered medical history, the Mavericks may be looking to move on.

“Finding a higher-upside swing in the middle should also be among Chicago’s long-term aims. Dereck Lively II would be an excellent flier,” Favale wrote. “The Dallas Mavericks may not be actively looking to move him, but his injury history could foist him into distressed-asset territory. Especially with his extension eligibility looming.”

The 22-year-old played in just seven games this past season, starting the year with a knee injury and then ending up sidelined for the entire campaign as a result of foot surgery. Since entering the league as a No. 12 overall pick in June 2023, Lively has appeared in a grand total of 98 contests.

Lively’s track record is obviously concerning, especially for a player headed toward restricted free agency after next season. When healthy, though, there is no question that he is an impactful player.

The Duke product — who stands 7-foot-1 — has logged 1.5 blocks over 22.9 minutes per game for his career, good for an average of 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes. He is also a fine rebounder, having registered 11 boards per 36 minutes to go along with a total rebound percentage of 16.6 percent.

Lively would absolutely represent a nice get for the Bulls, but again, his injury history should give Chicago pause.

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The Chicago Bulls have some improvements they can make during the 2026 NBA Draft. They are one of the teams with two picks in the first round, so they can make some big moves during the draft. Chicago can use these picks to add some significant size to the rotation, and EVP Bryson Graham can do that in his first draft with the franchise. Let’s take a closer look at one outlet’s mock draft and discuss who they can wind up selecting when they are officially on the clock.

The Chicago Bulls add Caleb Wilson with the fourth pick

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report created a first-round NBA mock draft and had the Bulls add two frontcourt players. With the fourth pick, Buckley had the Bulls select power forward Caleb Wilson from the North Carolina Tar Heels. Below is what he wrote about the selection:

“For parts of mock draft season, it felt like Wilson had a tier to himself behind the Dybantsa-Peterson-Boozer trio and ahead of the rest. At this point, it’s clear that Wilson has expanded that elite group into a Big Four. As The Athletic’s Josh Robbins and David Aldridge relayed, several executives and scouts said ‘they can envision Wilson developing into the best player in the draft.’ It still feels like Wilson will wind up in the same No. 4 spot he’s been mocked at for a while, if only because his shooting and creation limitations are clearer to see than the other prospects. The Bulls would be thrilled if Wilson does, though, since he feels tailor-made for the type of team Chicago’s new front office wants to put together.”

Wilson had a strong freshman season for the Tar Heels. The 6’10 forward averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.5 steals on 57.8/25.9/71.3 shooting splits. Chicago still has Patrick Williams, Jalen Smith, and Noa Essengue on the depth chart, so the power forward spot is deep. However, when you get the chance to add a talent like Wilson, you certainly do that. They could move off one of the other power forwards on the roster, but there is room to develop Wilson’s game, like his perimeter shooting and ball-handling skills. It will be interesting to see how the first three picks shape up, as the Bulls will likely get whichever one of the Big Four is still available.

The Chicago Bulls add a center at the end of the lottery

The Bulls are one of the teams with multiple picks in the first round of this year’s draft. They also hold the 15th pick via the Portland Trail Blazers. With the final pick in the lottery, the Bulls select freshman center Hannes Steinbach out of the Washington Huskies. Below is the scouting report that Buckley gives:

“Steinbach was another winner at the NBA Draft Combine. He passed the eye test as an NBA-caliber center measuring 6’10” without shoes (with a 7’2″ wingspan), and showing added bulk at 248 pounds. The Bulls happen to have a glaring void at center, and if they filled it with Steinbach, they’d be getting perhaps the draft’s best rebounder and one of its best post scorers. Steinbach has also flashed enough competence from three to believe he can serve in a stretch-big capacity and make it easier to fit puzzle pieces around him. That should be hugely appealing to a franchise in such an early stage of a top-to-bottom reset.”

Steinbach actually led the NCAA in rebounding in the 2025-26 season. He averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals while posting a 57.7/34.0/75.9 shooting split. He was ble to showcase his abilities in the Big Ten Tournament, averaging 13.5 rebounds and 17.5 points, but the Huskies failed to reach the NCAA Tournament. With the lack of big games to see Steinbach play, it makes it a bit more of a gamble to take him in the lottery. However, he stepped up in Big Ten action, so it’s not like he is playing inferior competition. This would certainly add some incredible size and talent at the five spot to guard players like Joel Embiid, Victor Wembanyama, and Giannis Antetokounmpo going forward.

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The Chicago Bulls should be one of the more active teams in the NBA this offseason, as they own a wealth of cap space and possess two first-round draft picks, including the No. 4 overall selection.

The Bulls have posted just one winning campaign over the last decade, so it’s high time that Chicago emerges from the depths and re-establishes itself as a legitimate Eastern Conference contender. Of course, that will be easier said than done, and it might require things to get a bit ugly first.

New top executive Bryson Graham surely wants to put his fingerprints on the roster, which means he will want to accumulate as much draft capital as possible moving forward. That’s why Josh Giddey has been labeled a trade candidate, and it’s why the Bulls might also consider moves you wouldn’t initially expect.

Morris Bankston of Pippen Ain’t Easy, for example, has pitched the idea of Chicago re-acquiring Zach LaVine in a trade with the Sacramento Kings, and while that may sound insane on the surface, it actually makes sense when you hear Bankston’s rationale.

Could the Chicago Bulls bring Zach LaVine back?

Bankston envisions a scenario in which the Bulls could land LaVine from the Kings while also netting draft capital in return.

“Presuming LaVine exercises the $48.9 million player option in the final year of his contract, originally signed with the Chicago Bulls, there is an opportunity for the Bulls to engage the Kings in a trade negotiation to return LaVine to the Bulls, provided, of course, the deal also attaches draft capital to LaVine,” Bankston wrote.

The only issue I have here is that Sacramento may not be so willing to attach a draft pick to LaVine with just one year remaining on his contract (and again, that’s assuming LaVine exercises his option, which he almost certainly will). The Kings could instead just allow that money to come off the books at the end of the season and keep their draft capital intact.

However, Bankston thinks the Bulls could sweeten the pot by throwing Giddey into the deal, which would give Sacramento a young, relatively affordable player to build with moving forward. He then thinks Chicago could flip LaVine for more assets at next year’s trade deadline.

“Fast forwarding to the 2027 NBA trade deadline, perhaps a Bulls return is a modest asset, whether it is a young player or a second-round pick for an expiring LaVine that can juice a playoff roster’s offensive punch,” Bankston added.

Is it an interesting proposition? Sure. Is it incredibly realistic? Probably not. But I like what Bankston is thinking.

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The Chicago Bulls are still one of the teams without a head coach after Billy Donovan’s departure. There are some intriguing options that the front office can go after, but there is now a surprising option available. There is a new face available to the Bulls’ coaching search, but there will be some intriguing conversations regarding him. Let’s take a look at who the newest coaching option is and why the Bulls’ front office should seriously consider hiring him.

Jason Kidd makes a lot of sense to become the next Chicago Bulls coach

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Tuesday evening that the Dallas Mavericks and coach Jason Kidd have mutually parted ways. Kidd is owed more than $40 million over the next four years by the Mavericks. This means that if Kidd wants to stick it to the Mavericks front office, he could potentially become a coach next season and still have that money coming in. Of course, that all depends on the language of the contract, but it appears that Kidd wants to continue his coaching career following his departure in Dallas. Chicago could be a great landing spot for him.

He has a first-time general manager in Bryson Graham, so there is an ability to get some power in the front office. The Bulls also have a young roster with significant cap space, meaning he can shape the roster however he wants. Chicago has other coaching candidates like Tiago Splitter, Wes Unseld, and Sean Sweeney, but having Kidd as a potential hire is certainly intriguing. Kidd is known as a player-coach and has helped rebuild processes to improve. He holds a 388-395 (.496) career record in 10 seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Dallas Mavericks. This includes five trips to the playoffs and an NBA Finals appearance.

Having Kidd as the head coach would allow players to want to play for him. He has coached big-name players before with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving. Chicago is a destination, and they have cap space, getting players to buy into the future. Having the Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer on the bench is certainly a way to replace Billy Donovan. It will be interesting if the Bulls approach this and if Kidd is even interested in coaching next season.

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The Chicago Bulls’ head coach search is rolling on as the NBA moves into the conference finals portion of the schedule. With Chicago revamping the front office and also parting ways with Billy Donovan, it will usher in a new era for the franchise.

So far, Chicago has requested a few interviews with assistant coaches throughout the league but no official interviews have taken place. Once that happens, the process will certainly speed up a bit more. As the NBA Draft is under a month away and then the free agency period opening up after that, ideally the Bulls will have someone in place.

But now on Wednesday, an interesting name has emerged as a candidate.

Jerry Stackhouse is a candidate for Chicago Bulls job

Former North Carolina star and NBA All-Star Jerry Stackhouse is a name to watch in this coaching search. Per Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Stackhouse is a candidate for the Bulls in this coaching search:

“Another name for the Bulls’ coaching search: Jerry Stackhouse, fresh off a stint as a Warriors assistant, has emerged as a candidate in Chicago.”

Another name for the Bulls' coaching search: Jerry Stackhouse, fresh off a stint as a Warriors assistant, has emerged as a candidate in Chicago, sources tell @JakeLFischer and me.

More coaching carousel coverage here: https://t.co/t2les20urH

And here: https://t.co/D3owWXcS0T https://t.co/8cyvifp3KN

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 20, 2026

He joins an already long list of potential candidates that the Bulls are interested in. That list includes some of the top assistants around the league.

For Stackhouse, he’s coached at different levels in the game. There’s a coaching background as he’s been able to learn from some of the best in the game as well.

Stackhouse has experience at the college level serving as Vanderbilt’s head coach. But he also coached at the G-League Level and then the NBA level as an assistant coach over the years. Most recently he was with the Golden State Warriors as an assistant coach but opted to leave to pursue other opportunities.

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The Chicago Bulls are entering a pivotal offseason in which they must take advantage of the golden opportunity at their fingertips.

The Bulls have a solid chunk of cap space and also own a pair of first-round draft picks, including the No. 4 overall selection thanks to some luck in the NBA Draft lottery.

Chicago has also been tabbed as a team that could be rather active on the trade market given its flexibility, and it could be only a matter of time before new top executive Bryson Graham decides to move Josh Giddey.

But in terms of players the Bulls could potentially acquire, who is actually on the list? Do they have any specific targets in mind?

Well, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale ran down a list of three players every NBA team should be pursuing in trades this summer, and for Chicago, he mentioned an intriguing candidate: Portland Trail Blazers big man Yang Hansen.

Chicago Bulls linked to trade for Yang Hansen

Hansen was selected by the Blazers with the 16th overall pick of the NBA Draft last year and performed very well in Summer League, so well, in fact, that many started comparing him to Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic.

That comparison is obviously pretty rich, but it does indicate just how skilled Hansen truly is.

“Good luck convincing the Portland Trail Blazers to give up on the Yang Hansen experiment after just one season,” Favale wrote. “He’s bound to be called Baby Jokic again during Summer League. Yet, between Donovan Clingan’s emergence and Portland’s willingness to play smaller, he’s a good ‘It never hurts to ask’ option.”

Hansen played in 43 games with the Blazers this past season, averaging a meager 2.2 points and 1.5 rebounds over seven minutes per game while shooting 31 percent from the floor. Clearly, he wasn’t very Jokic-like in Year 1, but perhaps he can flourish with a more significant opportunity.

The Bulls can provide that for Hansen given their need for a big man, and if Portland feels that Clingan is obviously the future at center, it might be willing to listen to what Chicago has to offer.

Of course, Hansen’s subpar defense is certainly problematic, and it makes you wonder if the 7-foot-1, 270-pound behemoth will ever be able to establish a legitimate role in the league, regardless of how many times people liken him to Jokic.

The post Bulls connected to fascinating trade for player compared to Nikola Jokic appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are moving in a new direction this offseason, clearing the front office as well as parting ways with head coach Billy Donovan. After hiring Bryson Graham, the Bulls search has now turned to the head coach position.

Chicago’s opening will be an attractive one despite a few years of struggles. They hold the No. 4 and No. 15 picks in the upcoming NBA Draft plus have a healthy cap situation to work with. A big offseason with the right hires and additions could speed up this rebuild which is exactly what the Bulls are hoping for.

As the search goes on, two new names have now popped up as the Bulls have put in requests to a pair of assistants around the league.

Chicago Bulls request interviews with targets

In this process there hasn’t been a whole lot of news regarding targets. But on Tuesday, news broke that the Bulls had requested interviews with two assistants around the league.

Per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Bulls plan to seek permission to interview for Chicago’s coaching search, per sources: Charlotte assistant Lamar Skeeter, and Atlanta assistant Ryan Schmidt.

Two more candidates that the Bulls plan to seek permission to interview for Chicago’s coaching search, per sources: Charlotte assistant Lamar Skeeter, and Atlanta assistant Ryan Schmidt.

More NBA from @TheSteinLine here: https://t.co/SCERJl2zA9

And, we’re jumping back on the… https://t.co/yNPPXMBE04

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) May 19, 2026

Fischer is also connecting the Bulls to a few other big targets as well as Bleacher Nation points out:

According to Fischer, current New Orleans Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego and Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter are on the list. The Bulls are already set to talk with Borrego, while a Splitter interview is pending a formal request.

Fischer adds current Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant coach Micah Nori, Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Dave Bliss and Bulls assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. — who served under former head coach Billy Donovan — are expected to be interviewed.

The hope is that the Bulls can get a deal with someone soon ahead of the draft and free agency. From there, they can build their roster the way they envision it.

The post Targets emerge for Chicago Bulls’ head coach job appeared first on ChiCitySports.

We are a month away from the 2026 NBA Draft with the Chicago Bulls holding the  No. 4 and No. 15 overall picks. With a new era being started here this offseason, it’s a big chance for the franchise to add two key pieces.

Obviously, the No. 4 overall pick is the more important one. It’s the pick that the Bulls need to hit on in terms of adding a potential superstar. This is considered a top heavy draft with the top four guys having the potential to be stars. For Chicago, they will likely have Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson at No. 4 available, with either being a good pick.

The Bulls’ choice will come down to what the Memphis Grizzlies do at pick No. 3. Most mocks have the Bulls taking the former UNC star in Wilson and now, one analyst believes he is the best at a certain skill set.

NBA analyst calls Caleb Wilson the best athlete in this draft

While AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer may have more talent at the moment, the ceiling could be higher for Wilson. His skill set is impressive and the athleticism really stands out when watching him on tape. In Zach Buckley’s latest mock draft for Bleacher Report, he has Wilson going to the Bulls.

He had something interesting to say as well:

Still, this isn’t a by-default mock move. He looks like he was lab-created to fit their new SLAP philosophy, which prioritizes size, length, athleticism and physicality—or many of the strongest aspects of Wilson’s profile.

The post NBA analyst calls potential Chicago Bulls draft pick “best athlete in the draft” appeared first on ChiCitySports.

With a new era in Chicago Bulls basketball, the franchise has the flexibility to build the roster how they want. There’s really no “untouchable” players outside of Matas Buzelis who is expected to be a key building block for the future.

The Bulls hold pick No. 4 and No. 15 in the first round which gives them the chance to add two young players. And at No. 4, they could land a potential superstar. But the big offseason storyline for the Bulls could be what they do in free agency.

Chicago hasn’t been super active over the past few seasons in terms of going out and spending a ton of money. They did give Josh Giddey a big deal last offseason but outside of that, there just hasn’t been much of an opportunity. That should change, however.

The Bulls will have a good amount of cap space to spend this offseason. With needs, they can address some of them by spending that money and adding key pieces. While the free agency period is still a few weeks away, the Bulls are already being linked to a key free agent who can help on the perimeter.

Chicago Bulls linked to Austin Reaves

The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Sam Amick wrote on Austin Reaves’ upcoming free agency. He listed a few teams that could be interested in Reaves, including the Bulls:

“While team and league sources believe that the Lakers and Reaves will eventually land on a contract that makes sense, the door for Reaves to walk is open should he get a big offer elsewhere,” Woike and Amick wrote last Tuesday.

“Rival executives predicted Reaves could command $40 million a season due to a combination of his play, his age, and, perhaps most importantly, a free-agent class completely devoid of players as productive as him in their prime.”

“At present, the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets, who both have needs at the guard position, are the only teams with the sort of salary-cap space available to meet that sort of financial mark. Other teams that are known to have some interest in Reaves — like Utah and Atlanta, per league sources — would need to make roster moves to find the necessary space. League sources say winning will be a significant factor in Reaves’ thinking.”

Reaves is coming off another impressive 2025-26 season with the Lakers and will be seeking a big deal. Many believe he could get close to $40 million a year in free agency. If that’s the case, it’s unlikely the Lakers would match that.

But is he a fit for the Bulls?

Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game during the regular season. He shot 49 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from three. At 27-years-old, Reaves is still somewhat young and could be a nice piece to add for the Bulls.

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The Chicago Bulls have some money to spend this offseason, and they also own a pair of first-round draft picks. That includes the No. 4 overall selection thanks to some tremendous luck in the lottery.

Ergo, this is an absolutely pivotal summer for the Bulls, who could expedite their rebuild very quickly with the right moves.

Of course, Chicago also needs to be careful not to overspend on any one particular player in free agency, as it could absolutely destroy its chances of long-term success. The last thing the Bulls want to do is lock themselves into a bad multi-year contract.

Taking that into consideration, there are some players Chicago should definitely avoid on the open market, and Detroit Pistons big man Jalen Duren is one of them, especially after his playoff collapse.

However, Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy actually feels that the Bulls should roll the dice on Duren.

Chicago Bulls urged to make reckless move for Jalen Duren

On the surface, Duren looks like an enticing acquisition. After all, he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on 65 percent shooting during the regular season, and he is still just 22 years old. That’s why Hanlon is campaigning for the University of Memphis product.

“The Bulls, on the other hand, are currently in the business of acquiring and developing young talent. They have the time and patience to let Duren work on his outside shot. To let him master defensive coverages. To become a better player without the pressure of the postseason. He’s come so far in just three seasons; how much more dominant could he be in three more?” Hanlon wrote.

Well, there are a plethora of issues when it comes to Duren.

First of all, his offensive game is very limited. He doesn’t space the floor, he has no post game to speak of and he isn’t a very good passer. Second, he actually isn’t a very good defender, particularly in terms of rim protection. He averaged 0.8 blocks per game this season, which is wild for a player with his size and athleticism.

Finally, Duren just put forth one of the most miserable playoff performances you will ever see for a so-called star player.

The former first-round pick could land a $177 million contract in free agency this offseason, which is something the Bulls should absolutely avoid. Such a deal could handicap Chicago’s long-term flexibility, and Duren simply isn’t worth that much even in a vacuum.

The post Bulls linked to reckless $177 million move that could ruin everything appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago sports fans have built a reputation for unmatched loyalty, passion, and emotional investment across generations. Even during difficult seasons and painful rebuilding years, the city’s supporters continue showing up with belief, intensity, and deep civic pride.

Few cities in the United States identify with sports as strongly as Chicago. The city’s teams are woven into daily life, neighborhood identity, and family tradition in ways that extend far beyond wins and losses. Whether it is football Sundays, summer afternoons at the ballpark, or emotional playoff runs, sports remain central to Chicago’s culture.

What makes Chicago especially unique is the persistence of fan loyalty during losing periods. Many franchises in the city have endured long stretches of disappointment, controversial management decisions, and rebuilding phases that tested patience year after year. Yet attendance, merchandise sales, and emotional support often remain remarkably strong.

Modern sports culture has become increasingly connected to entertainment consumption overall. Fans move between streaming platforms, online communities, fantasy leagues, and digital entertainment spaces like Alawin while following their favorite teams around the clock. Despite this changing landscape, Chicago fans continue demonstrating an unusually personal attachment to their franchises.

Their loyalty is not built only on championships. It is rooted in identity, tradition, and shared history.

Chicago fans embrace emotional investment

Sports fandom in Chicago has always carried a strong emotional element. Supporting local teams often feels less like casual entertainment and more like a lifelong commitment passed down through families and neighborhoods.

The Chicago Bears represent one of the clearest examples of this connection. Despite decades of inconsistency since their dominant 1985 Super Bowl season, Bears fans continue filling stadiums, following offseason developments obsessively, and maintaining hope for future success.

The same pattern exists across multiple franchises. Chicago Cubs supporters remained loyal through more than a century without a World Series title before the historic 2016 championship finally arrived. For generations of fans, loyalty itself became part of the identity.

Even difficult periods can strengthen emotional bonds between teams and supporters. Shared frustration creates collective experiences that unite entire communities. Fans celebrate together during success, but they also endure disappointment together in ways that deepen attachment over time.

Chicago sports culture is filled with rituals and traditions connected to this emotional investment. Tailgating, neighborhood watch parties, local sports radio debates, and family rivalries all contribute to an atmosphere where sports feel deeply personal.

Unlike cities where fan interest fluctuates rapidly based on recent success, Chicago’s support systems tend to remain stable through rebuilding years and organizational instability.

Historic franchises shaped the city’s identity

One reason Chicago sports loyalty remains so strong is the historical importance of the city’s teams. Several franchises are deeply connected to defining moments in both sports history and Chicago culture itself.

The Chicago Bulls became a global phenomenon during the 1990s largely because of Michael Jordan and the dynasty years. That era transformed not only the franchise but also the city’s international sports identity.

Similarly, Wrigley Field remains one of the most iconic venues in American sports. The connection between the Chicago Cubs and the surrounding neighborhoods creates an atmosphere unlike almost anywhere else in professional baseball.

Chicago fans also embrace sports history in ways that keep older generations connected to newer ones. Stories about legendary athletes, famous rivalries, and heartbreaking defeats continue circulating across families and communities decades later.

The city’s harsh winters and industrial history may also contribute to the mentality surrounding sports support. Chicago fans often take pride in resilience, toughness, and loyalty through adversity. Supporting struggling teams becomes part of that broader cultural identity.

This emotional relationship between city and franchise creates loyalty that survives even when championships become rare.

Rivalries and community strengthen fan culture

Chicago sports culture is also fueled by some of the most intense rivalries in American sports. Rivalries create emotional stakes that extend beyond standings and statistics, giving every season additional meaning.

Games involving the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears remain among the most emotionally charged matchups in football regardless of team records. The rivalry connects generations of fans and reinforces regional identity throughout the Midwest.

Baseball rivalries inside the city itself also contribute to Chicago’s sports atmosphere. The division between Cubs and White Sox supporters creates constant debate, pride, and neighborhood identity across the city.

Sports bars, local media, and online communities further strengthen these connections. Chicago fans remain highly engaged throughout the year, discussing trades, coaching decisions, draft picks, and organizational strategy in enormous detail.

Social media has intensified this culture by allowing fans to interact constantly during games and throughout the offseason. While this can increase criticism and frustration during difficult periods, it also keeps fan communities deeply connected.

Chicago supporters often view loyalty itself as something worth defending. Remaining committed during losing seasons becomes a badge of honor rather than a reason to disengage.

That mentality continues separating Chicago from many other sports markets. Championships matter enormously, but for many Chicago fans, supporting the city’s teams is ultimately about belonging to something larger than the scoreboard itself.

The post Why Chicago Sports Fans Remain Among the Most Loyal in America appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Caleb Williams embraced the City of Chicago since the Bears drafted him at No. 1 in 2024. The quarterback also proved last year that he can lead the Chicago Bears franchise to success with him under center.

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner guided Chicago to the Divisional Round last year after missing the playoffs in his rookie campaign. He produced strong numbers, completing 377-of-658 passes for 4,560 yards, 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 19 games.

The Bears signed key additions this offseason to surround Williams with more talent. They will pursue a deeper playoff run this coming season despite facing the toughest schedule in the NFL. Chicago will also play seven primetime games, giving the team more visibility across the country.

Caleb Williams enjoys dinner with Matas Buzelis, Pete Crow-Armstrong

Williams has been hanging out with Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis. They have formed a close friendship and watched a baseball and soccer games together. Another Chicago athlete joined them for dinner on Saturday.

A photo of Williams, Buzelis and Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong out for dinner is currently making the rounds on social media.

 

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A post shared by Bearsszn (@bearsszn)

Fans dropped some hilarious takes in the comments section.

“It’s time for Caleb to add someone from the White Sox to his crew,” a reaction read.

“This looks like a picture from 2005. Obsessed,” one fan said.

“Squad looking zesty,” posted another.

“Now I understand why these guys wear uniforms,” one user commented.

“so will Matas get replaced in this friend group with whoever the Bulls draft at 4?” one fan reacted.

“Caleb look like he advertising for a stepdad commercial,” another comment read.

Buzelis and the Bulls are experiencing an extended offseason after failing to make the playoffs. They finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 31-51 record. The good news is that the franchise will have the No. 4 pick in the 2026 draft and will get a chance to add a key piece.

Meanwhile, Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs are competing in the middle of their season. They sit at the top of the NL Central with a 29-18 win-loss slate.

The post The funniest reactions to Caleb Williams’ night out with Matas Buzelis, Pete Crow-Armstrong appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are entering a critical offseason in which they own expansive cap room as well as a pair of first-round draft picks, so their roster could look awfully different next year.

Not only that, but the Bulls have a new top executive in Bryson Graham, and it stands to reason that he may want to entirely reshape the roster to his liking. That means Josh Giddey could ultimately be on the move.

Giddey’s name has been floated in trade speculation for quite some time now, and the buzz has only grown since Graham took the job in Chicago. Giddey does not exactly seem like Graham’s type of player due to his defensive deficiencies, so it makes sense that Graham would try to trade the 23-year-old.

While Giddey has never made an All-Star team, he should certainly drum up plenty of interest around the NBA after averaging 17 points, 9.1 assists and eight rebounds per game this past season, and he is entering the second year of a very manageable four-year, $100 million contract.

So, where could Giddey land? Well, Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints has pitched an intriguing destination: the Houston Rockets.

Chicago Bulls linked to big trade with Houston Rockets

The Rockets could absolutely use a bona fide playmaker on their roster, so Giddey would certainly make sense in Houston.

“Because of that, center Alperen Sengun served as the team’s primary passer. While the big man is nicknamed Baby Jokic for a reason, it would probably be in Houston’s best interest if he were more of a secondary playmaker rather than the team’s leading assister. Trading for a pure point guard like Giddey would make a lot of sense, especially because it is unclear how VanVleet will look upon returning from a major injury,” Bassett wrote.

Bassett did not go into detail about what the return would look like for the Bulls, and because Houston already surrendered a bunch of its top assets in the Kevin Durant trade, finding common ground might prove difficult.

But if Graham is really just looking to shed Giddey’s money and start fresh, he might be willing to accept what would appear to be a rather light return. It’s also important to note that the Rockets do possess a pair of first-round draft picks in 2027.

It would not be the least bit surprising if Houston places a call to Chicago about Giddey. We’ll see if the two sides can find a match.

The post Bulls trade proposal features $100 million swap with Western Conference contender appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls certainly have a lot of work to do this offseason, and luckily for them, they have the ammunition to make it happen.

Armed with a pair of first-round draft picks (including the No. 4 overall selection) and $54 million in cap space, the Bulls will have the opportunity to jumpstart a rebuild this summer under new top executive Bryson Graham.

Of course, Chicago will have to be careful with how it proceeds, because blowing its top draft choice and/or locking itself into a bad contract would be devastating.

But because the Bulls have so many assets, they could try and swing a big trade in the coming weeks, and that could even feature moving the No. 4 pick.

Ernesto Cova of Da Windy City has concocted a wild scenario for Chicago in which it would complete a huge eight-player trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder in a proposal that would completely shake up the NBA Draft.

Chicago Bulls linked to huge trade with Oklahoma City Thunder

Cova’s proposal has the Bulls sending pick Nos. 4 and 15 as well as Patrick Williams to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for pick Nos. 12 and 17, Nikola Topic, Jared McCain and Thomas Sorber.

Why? Because Cova is not entirely sold on either Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson as generational prospects.

“The Bulls would be giving up better draft positioning and a chance at a franchise player, but they would be flipping one lottery ticket into 3, all while still keeping Josh Giddey, [Matas] Buzelis, and [Noa] Essengue, and adding two more draft picks to round out the roster. At that range, they can probably get Cameron Carr, Morez Johnson Jr., or Karim Lopez,” Cova wrote.

I’m honestly not too sure Chicago would even consider making this trade.

Topic has played just 10 games since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2024 (injuries and health issues have largely kept him off the floor), Sorber missed his entire rookie campaign due to a torn ACL and McCain is a subpar defender who averaged just 8.3 points in 67 games this season.

Yes, the Bulls would be getting picks 12 and 17 in the deal, but is all of that worth moving out of the No. 4 slot? It doesn’t seem like it.

Chicago would surely need to be blown away by an offer to trade out of its top draft pick, and this proposed deal with the Thunder — while intriguing — probably wouldn’t cut it.

The post Bulls connected to gargantuan 8-player trade that would shake up the NBA appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are in a good spot for the 2026 NBA Draft. Picking fourth, they will have the chance to draft one of the top four players in a loaded draft.

It’s very likely that it will be either Duke’s Cameron Boozer or North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson with the pick. As A.J. Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson are projected to go in the top two, Chicago’s decision will come down to what the Memphis Grizzlies will do at No. 3 overall.

The Bulls are meeting with a lot of prospects ahead of the draft, including Wilson. The former North Carolina standout is thought to have one of the highest ceilings overall in this class. He spent one season at North Carolina, averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He did get hurt late in the year and missed most of February and all of March.

However, when he was on the court, his game really stood out. In meeting with the Bulls, Wilson understood Bryson Graham’s SLAP philosophy. But he also understands the history of the franchise, leading back to Michael Jordan.

Caleb Wilson on Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls

After his meeting at the combine with the Bulls, Wilson told the media that he knows a lot about the franchise already. That dates back to the connection with Michael Jordan, both being former Tar Heels.

“I know a lot about Chicago, I know Mike went here from North Carolina. I watched The Last Dance, so I got a little bit of history on Chicago. The city is a great place for sure,” Wilson said.

Watching interviews with Wilson, you can tell he oozes with confidence. He doesn’t shy away from the situation and knows that he can come in a change a franchise. Much like Jordan did.

Now, we aren’t going to compare him to the GOAT at all. That’s just not fair. Wilson is in a position where he can go to a franchise that is in desperate need of a star and really change the culture. That would be welcomed by this fan base after years of struggles.

The post Caleb Wilson meets with Bulls and knows ‘a lot about Chicago’ appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls will be one of the most interesting NBA teams to watch this offseason, as they are armed with cap space and a pair of first-round draft picks.

The Bulls also benefited from some extraordinary luck in the lottery, landing the fourth overall selection. That should give them the opportunity to select either Caleb Wilson or Cameron Boozer (hopefully, it’s Wilson).

But in the meantime, Chicago’s name will surely be connected to a bunch of names both in free agency and the trade market. The Bulls have money to spend, so it’s entirely possible they will swing a major move for a star player this summer.

We’ve already heard Chicago linked to free agents like Austin Reaves and Jalen Duren (although the less said about Duren, the better), and while the trade block has yet to really take shape, some players are being speculated as early candidates to be moved.

One such player is Minnesota Timberwolves big man Julius Randle, and the Bulls are already being warned to stay away.

Chicago Bulls should avoid Julius Randle like the plague

On paper, Randle seems enticing. He averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and five assists per game on 48.1/31.5/80.2 shooting splits during the 2025-26 regular season, and he has made three All-Star teams throughout his career. But after his latest playoff failure in the Timberwolves’ second-round loss to the San Antonio Spurs, it’s clear that Chicago should avoid trading for him.

Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy broke it down perfectly.

“In Games 2 through 6, he averaged 11.2 points on 32.2 percent shooting from the field and 13.3 percent from deep. His massive dud in Game 6 — he scored three points on 1-for-8 shooting — ultimately doomed the Wolves,” Hanlon wrote. ” Minnesota was outscored by 34 points in his 24 minutes on the floor. Thirty-four points! The Bulls can’t afford to add a player like Randle.”

That’s the truth.

Randle has long been the definition of an “empty numbers” player. He’ll fill up the box score, but he doesn’t have the greatest impact on winning and gets exposed in the playoffs. In 42 career postseason contests, he is shooting just 41.1 percent from the floor and owns a true-shooting percentage of 47.9 percent.

That isn’t going to cut it, and with Randle being 31 years old and having two years left (including a player option) on his contract, the Bulls should undoubtedly look elsewhere for frontcourt help.

The good news is that new executive Bryson Graham probably won’t even entertain a trade for Randle.

The post Bulls linked to All-Star trade that would be absolute fool’s gold appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are ushering in a rebuild after another disappointing 2025-26 season. Chicago made the decision to clean house, moving on from Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley in the front office. From there, Billy Donovan also opted to leave the franchise.

But all of that happened after the front office made a few moves at the trade deadline, potentially trying to save their jobs.

The two moved on from key players such as Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Nikola Vucevic. But failed to get a single first-round pick back in any of those deals that they made. Instead, they loaded up on second-round picks which could be useful in terms of trade bait moving forward.

However, a new report suggests that the Bulls turned down more second-round picks in a potential deal.

Did Chicago Bulls turn down trade offer from Philadelphia 76ers?

The Bulls were one of the more active teams at last season’s deadline. It could have been the front office attempting to save their jobs by fully turning to a rebuild like they should have done before. While they unloaded a lot of talent, there was one player they reportedly turned down an offer for.

Per Adam Aaronson of The Philly Voice, the Philadelphia 76ers offered up second-round picks for Bulls’ big man Jalen Smith:

“The Sixers, the source said, offered the Chicago Bulls multiple second-round picks for reserve big man Jalen Smith; Chicago held onto him.”

It makes sense for the 76ers to target a big man, especially with the questions about Joel Embiid. More depth couldn’t hurt them as we saw in their second-round loss to the New York Knicks.

For Chicago, it would have made sense to unload Smith for more picks. With a new regime here, Smith probably won’t have a large role anyways.

The benefit is that he still has one year on his deal at a very friendly price tag of $9.4 million. That could be something this regime looks at but if they do move on, you have to wonder if it would have been better to get more draft picks.

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The Chicago Bulls own a pair of first-round draft picks next month, including the No. 4 overall selection thanks to some lottery luck.

While the prevailing thought is that the Bulls will end up with either Caleb Wilson or Cameron Boozer for their top selection, there has been some speculation that they could potentially trade up to No. 3 and take Ja Morant off the Memphis Grizzlies’ hands.

Essentially, the Grizzlies would move down a spot just to get out of Morant’s contract, and Chicago would be rewarded with a higher draft choice (and the ability to choose its favorite between Wilson and Boozer rather than accepting the leftover) while also potentially getting something out of Morant.

But is that actually a valid, possibly fruitful path for the Bulls?

Bulls insider Sam Smith doesn’t seem to think so, as he gave an emphatic “no” to such a potential move when asked about it in a recent mailbag.

Chicago Bulls warned to avoid Ja Morant

Memphis would surely love to dump Morant at this stage, but Smith isn’t buying.

“[Russell] Westbrook, Ja? Please, no,” Smith wrote. “The new guy [Bryson Graham] seems way smart enough not to fall into those sorts of traps. He’s also seemed to make it clear if you’ve listened to his continued emphasis on patience and building that he’s not going to make the same short term mistake the previous administration made in going all in on veterans like [DeMar] DeRozan and [Nikola] Vučević for an instant high.”

Morant has two years and roughly $87 million remaining on his contract, which would be a heck of a lot more palatable if he were actually available.

The 26-year-old has played in a grand total of 79 games over the last three seasons due to injuries and suspensions. This past year, he appeared in 20 contests and averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists a night on 41.0/23.5/89.7 shooting splits.

There was a time when Morant was one of the best players in basketball, but that feels like ages ago, and it probably wouldn’t be worth it for the Bulls to take on the remainder of Morant’s deal just to move up one spot in the draft.

AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson seem like near-locks to be selected first and second overall next month, so the hope is that the Grizzlies select Boozer, allowing Chicago to take the far better fit in Wilson at No. 4. But even if Wilson goes third overall to Memphis, the Bulls might just settle on Boozer.

The post Bulls hit with emphatic red flag warning amid blockbuster trade buzz appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The attention so far for the Chicago Bulls has been on the No. 4 overall pick. Chicago is guaranteed to get one of the top four, likely either Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson. But they also own No. 15 from the Portland Trailblazers and that pick could be a big bonus for the franchise in the draft.

The addition of Wilson or Boozer is a great start for this Bulls rebuild. At 15, they could go a few different routes. As it stands, the Bulls can be very flexible in terms of targeting positions as there’s really not an “untouchable” player on the roster outside of Matas Buzelis. But one player that could fill a need for perimeter scoring is a former Big Ten standout who just came off a big tournament run.

Chicago Bulls should keep an eye on Bennett Stirtz

The guard is one of the best stories of this past college basketball season. After starring at Northwest Missouri State, he followed head coach Ben McCollum to Drake and then to Iowa. He continued to find success even at a higher level of play.

Stirtz helped lead the Hawkeyes to the Elite Eight including an upset win over No. 1 Florida in the second round. Now, as he prepares for his chance at the NBA level, he’s putting on a show at the NBA Scouting Combine. Check out what he did in shooting drills at the combine:

NBA Draft Combine Day 1 shooting drills:

Bennett Stirtz
• 20/25 Spot-up shooting (1st)
• 23/30 off-the-dribble shooting (3rd)
• 16/25 3-point star drill (6th)
• 9/10 Free throws (5th)
• 21/27 Side-mid-side (2nd) pic.twitter.com/cfiHVKk6ZL

— Zark (@ZarkTweets) May 12, 2026

His 74.6 percent shooting at the combine was second only to Iowa’s Alex Karaban who finished at 74.8 percent. For a team that needs some shooting and a guard, Stirtz makes a lot of sense. He also has that killer instinct.

“I feel like I’m the best shooter in this draft, and I want to prove that,” Stirtz said. “It starts with your work ethic and getting up as many shots as you can. . . Respect your opponents but also know that I’m going to go out there and kill these dudes”

Currently, Stirtz is being mocked in the top 20 with some having him as high as No. 14. He may not be the ‘sexy’ option, but it’s worth a look if you’re the Bulls.

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The Chicago Bulls own the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft thanks to a stroke of luck in the lottery last weekend, and while selecting fourth is certainly better than picking ninth, the Bulls are still in a rather uncomfortable position.

AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson — in no particular order — are viewed, by and large, as the top four players in this year’s draft class, but Dybantsa and Peterson are expected to come off the board at pick Nos. 1 and 2. That would leave Chicago with either Boozer or Wilson, the latter of whom is the far superior fit.

But what if Wilson is off the board? Should the Bulls just settle for Boozer? Or should they go in an entirely different direction and nab someone like Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff?

Acuff has been rising up draft boards and could suddenly be in play as a potential top-four pick next month, but long-time Bulls insider Joe Cowley does not even think the team should entertain the idea of taking him.

Chicago Bulls warned about drafting Darius Acuff

Cowley has made it clear that he thinks Chicago should go with who is left between Boozer and Wilson at No. 4, ruling out Acuff entirely.

“I love Acuff … and if the Bulls were picking 5, I’m in. But this is a big man’s league,” Cowley posted on X. “Steph and Zeke the only small guards to win rings … and you have to build an exact team around that. Boozer or Caleb … no brainers.”

Cowley then went as far to rip those in the Windy City media who are suddenly urging the Bulls to select Acuff.

“Problem is there are talking heads in Chicago that don’t know ball, selling themselves on Acuff at No. 4. Ignore them. Talking puppets,” Cowley added.

Acuff averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game on 48.4/44.0/80.9 shooting splits this past season and has even drawn comparisons to top NBA combo guards like Damian Lillard and Jalen Brunson. When you watch him play, it’s easy to say both players in the youngster.

But Cowley is right: you really need to build around a big man, and with Acuff coming in at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he certainly doesn’t qualify.

Wilson is an absolute no-brainer if he is still available at No. 4. Boozer? That’s a bit more of a question mark given his defensive deficiencies, but at that point, the Bulls might be better off trading out of the pick then selecting a point guard.

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The Chicago Bulls own a wealth of cap room heading into the NBA offseason, so they are expected to be big players in free agency.

The Bulls have posted just one winning record over the last decade, so they are in dire need of a boost, and armed with a couple of first-round draft picks (including the No. 4 overall selection) and plenty of money to spend, this summer will be the most pivotal in the franchise’s recent memory.

Chicago has already been linked to various big-name free agents this offseason, ranging from Los Angeles Lakers wing Austin Reaves to Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren.

Duren is widely viewed as one of the top players slated to be available, as he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this season and is just 22 years old.

But is the University of Memphis product really the answer the Bulls need this July? His playoff showing says no.

The Chicago Bulls should avoid Jalen Duren

Duren may have played a huge role in the Pistons finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference this season, but many people saw his limitations then. Now, they are glaringly obvious in the playoffs.

His shortcomings are so clear, as a matter of fact, that Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff benched Duren in favor of Paul Reed in the fourth quarter and overtime of the Pistons’ Game 5 second-round playoff loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.

Duren’s minutes have decreased every game in this series, and considering he is averaging just 9.4 points and 6.6 rebounds a night, you can understand why. His struggles have not been confined to the Cavaliers series, either, as he also labored in the Pistons’ first-round matchup against the Orlando Magic.

The 6-foot-10, 250-pound big man has a very limited offensive repertoire, and he also surprisingly isn’t the greatest defender, particularly in terms of rim protection. In spite of Duren possessing impressive athleticism, he logged just 0.8 blocks per game during the regular season.

With the Bulls in dire need of a defensive lynchpin, spending $185 million on Duren in free agency probably isn’t the best idea. That money would be far better spent elsewhere, and Chicago might be able to land a franchise big man with one of its two first-round draft picks, anyway.

It’s becoming more and more obvious that the Bulls should avoid Duren like the plague.

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With the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls likely have two options for the selection.

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa is expected to go No. 1, and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson should go No. 2. Duke star Cameron Boozer appears to be the polished player and the guy most likely to go No. 3.

However, North Carolina standout Caleb Wilson needs more development than the first three, but could have a higher ceiling than anyone in the draft.

The Memphis Grizzlies pick at No. 3 and are set to make the decision on Boozer and Wilson. The Bulls would be happy with either and should be lucky to have the opportunity to have Boozer or Wilson to jumpstart their rebuild.

When speaking to reporters at the NBA Combine in Chicago on Wednesday, Boozer said he had a “good conversation” with the Bulls and that it would be “nice” to go to Chicago, via Matt Zahn of CBS Sports.

“If your team’s goal is to win a championship, I think I’m the guy,” Boozer said.

More News: Caleb Wilson said something to ignite Bulls fan base

Cameron Boozer has ties to the Chicago Bulls

More News: Bulls have some draft drama on Caleb Wilson

Carlos Boozer is the father of Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the latter of whom chose to return to Duke for a second season. He played for the Bulls from 2010 to 2014 and was a key part of their playoff teams during the Derrick Rose era.

The Bulls appear to be a popular destination for Wilson and Boozer, no doubt because of the team’s history and the marketing possibilities in Chicago.

Wilson has met with Rob Dillingham and Patrick Williams. He called Chicago a “great city.”

“Chicago is a great city. It would be a great place to play—nice marketing,” Wilson said. “I know some players on the team. So it definitely be a really cool opportunity. And I know a lot about Chicago. I know Mike (Michael Jordan) went here from North Carolina.

“I watched the Last Dance. So you know, I got a little bit of history in Chicago. It’s a great place for sure.”

One of those players is likely to play for the Bulls next season and could be a part of a championship run in the future.

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North Carolina prospect Caleb Wilson has been making the most of his week at the NBA combine in Chicago.

The Chicago Bulls have been heavily connected to Wilson ever since the NBA lottery on Sunday when they learned they had the No. 4 pick. Wilson is considered by most around the association to be the fourth-best pick in the draft, though there is some chatter that Wilson could go before Duke forward Cameron Boozer.

When speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Wilson said he’s familiar with new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham’s “S.L.A.P.” philosophy. Wilson said he met with Bulls players Patrick Williams and Rob Dillingham.

“I know Rob. I know Patrick Williams. I met Patrick last night,” Wilson said, via video from Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic. “I feel like they’re (going) in a great direction. I know about the slap… I mean, I think (Chicago) would be a great spot, honestly. But you know, I’m just blessed to be in this opportunity.”

More News: Caleb Wilson said something to ignite Bulls fan base

Caleb Wilson would feel at home with the Chicago Bulls

More News:Bulls have some draft drama on Caleb Wilson

Wilson said he’d fit right at home if the Bulls took him in the draft.

“Chicago is a great city, it would be a great place to play–nice marketing,” Wilson said. “I know some players on the team. So definitely be a really cool opportunity. And I know a lot about Chicago. I know Mike (Michael Jordan) went here from North Carolina.

“I watched the Last Dance. So you know, I got a little bit of history in Chicago. It’s a great place for sure.”

Wilson would embrace the S.L.A.P. philosophy if he joined the Bulls. He said he’s willing to do whatever a team needs to win.

The Bulls need a player that will come into the new system and take charge. Wilson seems like that kind of prospect for Chicago.

The only question is if the Memphis Grizzlies will take a chance on Wilson with pick No. 3?

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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