At the helm of the Chicago Bulls' front office, Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley are pushing for a transformation. Overlooking the basketball courts from their offices, they keep a vigilant eye on a team they have meticulously reconstructed. With a new vision in place, it's a pivotal moment for the franchise as they pivot towards a younger roster.
A Fresh Vision
Karnisovas, the Bulls' vice president of basketball operations, has been actively soliciting ideas from various members within the organization to solidify a new direction. As they strive to overcome the dismal record of missing the playoffs six times in the last seven years, the pressure is palpable. In a candid press conference, Karnisovas didn't mince words, declaring he took "full responsibility" for the team's shortcomings.
The offseason's roster changes were significant. The Bulls decided to let their veteran players find new homes. DeMar DeRozan, who had expressed a desire to stay, was allowed to leave in free agency, eventually landing a three-year, $74 million deal with the Sacramento Kings. "A thank you would be an understatement," DeRozan reflected in his farewell, acknowledging the love and joy he felt during his tenure with the Bulls. "He wants to win. He deserves an opportunity to win at a really high level," Eversley commented, acknowledging that Chicago couldn't meet those aspirations at the moment.
Youth Movement
The Bulls traded away Alex Caruso and let Andre Drummond walk, opting for younger talent in return. Enter Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Jalen Smith, players in their 20s who bring a fresh energy to the team. "We've gone young. We've got players who are experienced and give us a greater opportunity to have a longer runway for sustainability to winning meaningful games for a longer time," Eversley explained.
This youthful injection is underscored by Coby White, who finished second in the voting for the NBA's Most Improved Player award, signaling a bright future ahead. For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Bulls took a bold step by holding their training camp outside Chicago, gathering at Belmont University in Nashville. This change of scenery symbolizes a fresh start and a tactical shift.
Midseason Hurdles
As the trade deadline approached, the Bulls were 24-27. The organization made a strategic decision to prioritize making the play-in tournament for the second consecutive season rather than offloading their veteran talent. Initially, they held onto Drummond and Caruso, but later traded Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Giddey. Throughout the season, DeRozan had been adamant about his desire to remain in Chicago, a sentiment the front office couldn't honor given their new direction.
Challenges and Changes
The season wasn't without its setbacks. Zach LaVine, a cornerstone for the team, underwent season-ending surgery in February. However, his recovery has been promising, and he is expected to start the new season on time. LaVine's relationship with coach Billy Donovan has been tumultuous, a dynamic that will be closely watched as the season progresses.
The coaching staff also saw significant turnover. Mo Cheeks, Chris Fleming, and Josh Longstaff departed, making way for Wes Unseld Jr. and Dan Craig. These changes were part of the broader strategy to rejuvenate the organization. "We've promised change and we think we've executed that," Eversley stated. "I think the changes being made at all levels of the organization are positive ones. Now it's time to put in the work and see if some of those changes are going to be fruitful or not."
Despite the forward momentum, the team still faces challenges. The Bulls owe their 2025 first-round draft pick to the Spurs, though it's top-10 protected. The organizational rebuild goes beyond just bringing in young talent; it's about creating a cohesive, motivated unit capable of achieving sustainable success.
"We need to have a summer like 2021," Karnisovas remarked, alluding to a period of notable progress and ambition for the franchise. The forthcoming season will reveal whether the Bulls’ revamped roster and coaching staff can deliver on the promise of a brighter, more competitive era.