At the head of a row of cubicles in Chicago Bulls' front office sit the offices of Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley, the vice president of basketball operations and general manager, respectively. Overlooking the basketball courts below, these offices feature sliding glass doors that open to an indoor balcony, offering a clear view of the team they've assembled.
Karnisovas, in his quest to execute a new vision, began soliciting ideas from front office members, coaches, and players. This initiative came in the wake of the Bulls' second consecutive elimination by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. It marked their sixth playoff miss in seven years and the third under Karnisovas' four-year tenure. In a press conference following their elimination, Karnisovas took "full responsibility" for the team's performance.
Revamping the Roster
The Bulls opted for significant roster changes, allowing veteran DeMar DeRozan to leave in free agency, trading away Alex Caruso, and letting Andre Drummond walk. In their places, the team brought in younger talents such as Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Jalen Smith. "We've gone young," Eversley remarked. "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."
DeRozan, who had been a cornerstone for the team, expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt farewell. "A thank you would be an understatement. The love, passion, and joy you filled me with for three seasons was a dream. It gave me a drive every night to return the feeling." Eversley acknowledged DeRozan's departure, stating, "I love DeMar. He was terrific for our organization the last three years. But I don't think we were in a position to deliver what he was looking for going forward. He wants to win. He deserves an opportunity to win at a really high level. And arguably, we're not in that situation right now."
Season's Ups and Downs
Coby White provided a bright spot by finishing second in the voting for the NBA's Most Improved Player award. For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Bulls held their training camp outside Chicago, gathering at Belmont University in Nashville. Despite a 24-27 record at the trade deadline, the Bulls prioritized making the play-in tournament, choosing not to unload their veteran talent initially.
There was significant movement regarding veteran players, with the Bulls eventually trading Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey. DeRozan found a new home with the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade deal that netted him a three-year, $74 million contract. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine, who had undergone season-ending surgery in February, has fully recovered and is ready for the new season. However, LaVine’s relationship with coach Billy Donovan has been turbulent. A team source commented, "If he's interested in winning, he'll do what's asked of him. And if he's motivated to not be here, one way is to come, be compliant and be who he is."
Adjustments in Coaching Staff
The coaching staff also saw changes, with Mo Cheeks, Chris Fleming, and Josh Longstaff departing. They were replaced by Wes Unseld Jr. and Dan Craig, suggesting a fresh approach to the upcoming season. Notably, Karnisovas and Eversley were optimistic about these changes. "We've promised change and we think we've executed that. I think the changes being made at all levels of the organization are positive ones," said Eversley. "Now it's time to put in the work and see if some of those changes are going to be fruitful or not."
Building Towards the Future
The Bulls have committed to a youthful approach, betting on their newly acquired talent for a brighter future. Holding a top-10 protected 2025 first-round draft pick, they have some flexibility moving forward. Karnisovas’s vision stems from wanting to replicate past successes: "We need to have a summer like 2021," he emphasized.
With a mix of strategic player acquisitions, changes in the coaching staff, and a clear-eyed vision from their front office, the Bulls are setting the stage for a pivotal season. As they enter the new era, the changes promise to inject fresh energy and hope into the franchise.