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NBA insider rips Chicago Bulls in latest power rankings

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) reacts with center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Sports

Now that free agency is nearly over, we have a good idea of what the Chicago Bulls will look like in 2025-26. Barring a shocking turn of events, Josh Giddey will re-sign eventually. That gives them largely the same team as last year, a roster that went 39-43 and lost as the nine seed in the play-in game. All it gets the Bulls is a lackluster place in the latest NBA Power Rankings and a scathing criticism from one NBA insider.

Chicago Bulls ripped by NBA Power Rankings​

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) passes the ball to center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at the United Center.

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) passes the ball to center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls, according to CBS Sports’ way-too-early power rankings, are the 22nd-best team in the NBA. They’re only ahead of teams like the Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and others. It’s not pretty.

“Another offseason, another round of befuddling decisions by the Bulls. They traded Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro, who struggled to get wing minutes on the Cavs due to his lack of shooting proficiency,” Collin Ward-Henninger wrote. “It looks like Josh Giddey will be back eventually, which means he’ll once again share backcourt duties with Coby White — oh yeah, and Nikola Vucevic is still on the team! Mediocrity appears to be the ceiling for this Bulls roster, and the floor is as low as any non-tanking team in the league.”

It’s a brutal indictment of the Bulls right now. They didn’t do much to actually get better in 2025-26, but they also didn’t make moves to set themselves up better for the future. Expiring contracts haven’t been traded, and the one trade they did make resulted in a worse player and no draft picks.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts during a timeout in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts during a timeout in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

When Giddey re-signs for at least $25 million a year, they will have another sizable contract on the books for a player who might not be able to lead them to a higher ceiling than the play-in game. It’s a tough time to be the Bulls, who are acting as if they don’t quite know what direction to go in. They have more decisions to make, but they seemed to ignore most of them this offseason.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/nba-i...s&utm_campaign=nba-insider-rips-chicago-bulls
 
Chicago Bulls’ Josh Giddey negotiations get positive update

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Golden State Warriors Josh Giddey Michael Jordan

The Chicago Bulls and Josh Giddey remain apart on a deal, but a new report says that they’re getting closer and having good conversations with one another. A deal remains likely given the lack of interest in the restricted free agent, and this update suggests it might be a little closer than before.

Chicago Bulls and Josh Giddey have had good talks​

NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Chicago Bulls

NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Chicago Bulls Jan 14, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; v10 defends Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Initial reports suggested that Josh Giddey, who has so far had virtually no interest from any team besides the Bulls, wanted $30 million per year, something along the lines of the five-year, $150 million deal that Jalen Suggs signed with the Orlando Magic. The Bulls didn’t want to pay that, and it doesn’t look like they’ll have to.

That impasse drove the negotiations to a stall, but things are now trending in the right direction. Insider K.C. Johnson said, “Anyone speculating about the deterioration of the relationship should put that on pause. I’m told that Giddey had some very constructive conversations with Bulls personnel, including a sitdown with Coach Billy Donovan.”

Johnson was told the two sides are still talking, so there’s no reason to think the negotiations have completely ground to a halt as the two sides remain apart. “The Bulls are not going to be offering [him] $30 million a year. That remains their stance,” he added.

The insider said he thinks that Giddey might go for a shorter-term deal with a lower salary so that he can enter unrestricted free agency again in a few years, thus potentially getting a significant deal then when there are no limits on his availability.

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) looks to pass the ball against Washington Wizards forward Alexandre Sarr (20) during the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

“He’s still a very young player; he’s going to have another big contract after this,” Johnson said. “The positive relationship remains. I’ve said many times the Bulls did not trade Alex Caruso for Giddey to let this relationship deteriorate. I fully expect a resolution to this, a positive resolution, sometime in the near future.”

Giddey is just 22, so even if he signs for the five years that was rumored, he would end up back in free agency (unrestricted this time) at age 27, which is far from out of his prime.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...um=rss&utm_campaign=chicago-bulls-josh-giddey
 
Analyst: Chicago Bulls ‘definitely’ got worse this offseason

Chicago Bulls Coby White

The Chicago Bulls have made only a handful of moves this offseason, and the final one is most likely going to be some lucrative extension for Josh Giddey. They remain largely the same team as last year, only with a couple of rookies and one different role player. They were, according to one analyst, one of five teams who “definitely” got worse over the course of the offseason.

Chicago Bulls backtracked, analyst says​

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) warms up before the game against the Golden State Warriors

Jan 23, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) warms up before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls made the Play-In Tournament before crashing out and back into the lottery. After an offseason of moves or likely moves, they haven’t gotten better. In fact, according to Bleacher Report’s Mo Dakhil, they are one of five teams that regressed.

The Sacramento Kings, nicknamed the Bulls West, were another team mentioned in this list alongside the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans, and Phoenix Suns. “There has been no team lost in the wilderness like the Chicago Bulls,” Dakhil said.

“This offseason has not been a very different experience for them,” he added. “They have not made the playoffs outright since the 2021-22 season; and since then, they have been play-in tournament regulars.” That was the case in 2024.

He labeled Matas Buzelis an intriguing prospect, and he said that Coby White is a good player, but White is in a contract year, and Josh Giddey remains a restricted free agent. “The Bulls will likely work something out with Giddey that will be favorable for the team,” he noted.

This is where things get more perplexing for Chicago. They traded Lonzo Ball, which isn’t a surprise. They sent him to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro, failing to get any draft capital in return despite the advantage being Cleveland’s here. Okoro’s contract situation is worse, and Ball might also be the better player.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) gestures after making a three point basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at United Center.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) gestures after making a three point basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

“Okoro is very similar to Patrick Williams, just with a slightly better three-point shot. The comparison of their per 36 on BasketballReference.com shows just how similar they are,” Dakhil added. “The problem is the Bulls have committed $54 million to Williams over the next three years as a player option for another $18 million. If you invest that much into Williams, the team should be committed to getting as much as they can out of him. That won’t happen with him losing minutes to Okoro.”

Whether or not the Bulls should’ve gotten draft capital for Ball is another thing, but they essentially added another Patrick Williams, which isn’t really a good thing. “It doesn’t seem like the Bulls have a clear understanding of the type of team they want to be, and they’re content to wander in the wilderness,” Dakhil concluded.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...dium=rss&utm_campaign=chicago-bulls-got-worse
 
Chicago Bulls rookie Noa Essengue’s Summer League earns praise

MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Chicago White Sox

Noa Essengue was drafted by the Chicago Bulls as the second-youngest player in the draft. He looked like a work in progress, but steadily, he has improved greatly with every passing Summer League game. He’s still got his flaws, but he has developed plenty of strengths as well. It has warranted some praise from a Bulls insider.

Chicago Bulls insider praises Noa Essengue’s growth​

Noa Essengue stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 12th pick by the Chicago Bulls

Noa Essengue stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 12th pick by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Noa Essengue was the talk of Summer League, but only because the Chicago Bulls rookie got dunked on by Johnny Furphy. It was a highlight-reel play at Essengue’s expense, and he was the laughingstock of the league momentarily.

But lost in all of that is a steady growth. Essengue looked rough in his first game and admitted he needed to get better at everything. So he did. He recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes. He then scored 21 points on 50% from the field.

“To be sure, Essengue’s offensive game remains a complete wild card. But he has shown an increasing understanding of how he can use his length to make plays. He can get a clean look over the top of most defenders, and he sure does not need to take many steps to find his way into the paint,” Bleacher Nation insider Elias Schuster said.

Plus, Schuster noted, Essengue is young enough that all he really needs to display is a lack of timidness. If he’s not afraid to shoot, attack, or defend, then that’s a good sign. Through it all, that is exactly what Essengue has displayed for the Bulls.

Chicago Bulls Noa Essengue

NBA: Draft Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Noa Essengue stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 12th pick by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“Entering the league with major question marks around his jumper, he did not hesitate to chuck up eight attempts from downtown on Monday night,” Schuster added. “As off-target as some of those were, he still drained three and flashed a workable jumper. Heck, even the embarrassing photo of him getting posterized by Johnny Furphy or the brainfart of him knocking a ball off the rim for a goaltend (you can only do that in Europe!) says a lot about his overall mindset. The guy will try to make a big play on both ends.”

Right now, all the Bulls can ask is that Essengue work hard and give effort to both playing and getting better, and so far he’s done that with aplomb.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...tm_campaign=chicago-bulls-noa-essengue-praise
 
Unheralded Chicago Bulls player turning heads at 2025 Summer League

NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies

The Chicago Bulls might’ve found a diamond in the rough during NBA Summer League. Yuki Kawamura has quietly put up really good outings, and he looks like he could be a piece of the Bulls they didn’t know they had. If nothing else, he’s giving the team something to think about.

Yuki Kawamura is drawing attention for Chicago Bulls​

NBA: G League Next Up Game Team Strictly at Team Swish Cultures

NBA: G League Next Up Game Team Strictly at Team Swish Cultures

Yuki Kawamura has been on a journey to make it to the NBA, and the Chicago Bulls are his latest stop. He joined their roster and has been a central part of the Summer League team. He’s playing his way into future conversations, insider K.C. Johnson said.

Johnson said, “He is opening eyes around the Summer League that he can play at this level. Whether that’s the G-League, two-way, potentially the NBA level, there’s belief from Yuki… that’s his only focus and only goal out of Vegas, to earn an NBA contract.”

The insider said Kawamura has a knack for making plays. He recorded 15 points and 10 assists on Monday against the Indiana Pacers. Johnson also praised him for his defensive intensity, picking up full court and harassing whoever is on the ball.

“He’s just a fun watch,” the analyst went on. “Like I said before, he’s a fan favorite. The Japanese media was out in full force in Vegas. He’s obviously quite the storyline in his home country. It’ll be fun to watch him close out Summer League and see where his basketball journey takes him.”

Chicago Bulls, Dave Greenwood

Oct 23, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Chicago Bulls logo against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

There are very few Japanese NBA players right now. Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe are it, so Kawamura has a chance here with the Bulls not only to live out his basketball dreams but to give his home country another beacon in a league that doesn’t have very many of them.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...m_campaign=chicago-bulls-player-summer-league
 
Chicago Bulls insider stresses patience with promising rookie

NBA: Draft Noa Essengue

The Chicago Bulls spent the 12th pick in the NBA draft on Noa Essengue, a raw, young prospect from overseas. They knew he was going to require some work, but they picked him anyway. Now, after a really strong showing at Summer League, fans might be excited about what he can be, but one insider is cautioning them to be patient with the player.

Noa Essengue draws cautionary advice from Chicago Bulls insider​

NBA: Chicago Bulls at New Orleans Pelicans

NBA: Chicago Bulls at New Orleans Pelicans Oct 23, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Chicago Bulls logo against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

After a really rough opening game, Noa Essengue seemed to steadily improve over the course of Summer League, showcasing the potential and upside that enticed so many teams to consider him a lottery selection in 2025.

Insider K.C. Johnson cautioned fans, “This guy is going to be a project. I’m not going to be surprised if you see him in the Windy City Bulls for some minutes often this season. But you’ll also see some glimpses of that potential.”

Johnson added that what will provide the most glimpses into what Essengue can be is his length. “His ability to run the floor offensively, his ability to contest shots defensively, even if he gets dunked on every once in a while, and his driving ability. This is a guy coming into the draft who was known for his ability to get to the foul line,” he said.

Essengue’s 61.5% clip from the free throw line has to get better, the insider added, but the ability to get to the stripe is a key asset to build off of. “Again, you can see some potential here with the length, particularly when you envision pairing him with Matas Buzelis,” Johnson concluded.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan instructs forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan instructs forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

But Essengue is still very young and very raw. The Bulls knew that going into the draft, and they still opted to pick him over Derik Queen, Carter Bryant, Thomas Sorber, and Joan Beringer, among other prospects they might’ve had their eye on.

The Bulls played the long game, but that’s going to require patience on the part of the fans, which may not be easy to come by as Chicago seemingly spins its wheels in the middle of the East.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...ampaign=chicago-bulls-insider-patience-rookie
 
How the Chicago Bulls benefit from Damian Lillard’s Trailblazers return

NBA: Playoffs Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks

The Chicago Bulls own a future first-round pick of the Portland Trail Blazers, but it’s lottery-protected. With some of Portland’s recent moves, the day when that pick finally conveys could be coming soon, which is good news for a Bulls team that probably needs to retool with young prospects as well.

The Chicago Bulls will benefit from Damian Lillard’s signing​

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz

Damian Lillard has had quite a shocking career turn over the last few years. He was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks in a surprising move, which he never really asked for. He signed a massive extension, and just a couple of years in, he tore his Achilles and was set to miss basically the entire 2025-26 season for Milwaukee.

So the Bucks waived him, stretched the more than $100 million he was owed over the next few seasons in an unprecedented move, and signed Myles Turner. Then, despite calls from the Boston Celtics and other contenders, he returned to the Blazers.

How does this relate to the Chicago Bulls? Because of Lauri Markkanen. Chicago got a future lottery-protected first-round pick from Portland in the three-team Lauri Markkanen trade back in 2021. That pick still hasn’t been conveyed because the Blazers underwent a rebuild.

However, with plenty of talent on board, both veterans and young players alike, the Blazers’ future suddenly looks a lot brighter. Sure, the West is stacked, but Lillard signed for three years. They have young players like Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan. They have vets like Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Lillard.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan yells at an official during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan yells at an official during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

The floor for this team is much higher now, and a playoff berth is not at all out of the question in the next year or two. The deadline is 2028 for the pick to convey; otherwise, the Bulls get a second-rounder. That means that the Bulls now have the duration of Lillard’s contract for the Bulls to turn into a playoff team, giving Chicago a first-round pick to build with.

Plus, assuming the Bulls continue stagnating in the middle of the Eastern Conference, two picks between 10 and 20, once they get Portland’s pick, could be used to trade up and grab a really impactful player.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...campaign=chicago-bulls-benefit-damian-lillard
 
Michael Jordan ranked number one all-time by Bleacher Report

Chicago Bulls michael jordan

By any metric, accolade, or analysis, Michael Jordan is easily one of the best basketball players of all time. The former Chicago Bulls legend is considered by most of the sports world as one of the two or three (at worst) best players to ever touch an NBA court.

The debate lies in where he ranks there. For a while, the former UNC guard was considered the best with ease and without much competition. In the last several years, as LeBron James’ case has grown, there’s been a spirited debate, and Bleacher Report’s NBA staff just waded in with their rankings.

Bleacher Report ranks Michael Jordan as the best ever​

NBA: Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) passes against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Despite the mounting accolades, performances, and counting stats, Bleacher Report’s staff still doesn’t believe LeBron James gets the edge over Michael Jordan. Not every NBA writer does, though, as Jordan’s lowest rank was two, and James’ highest was one.

“Michael Jordan is generally accepted as the GOAT, owning the highest career scoring average in NBA history and a perfect 6-of-6 performance in the Finals. But his legacy goes beyond the stats, and even the awards,” they wrote.

Jordan has meant more to basketball than anyone from a cultural standpoint, they argued. “From his signature shoe, to becoming the sport’s most elite competitor, Jordan established a blueprint for the NBA superstars who followed him,” the staff noted.

“Virtually every alpha in the modern era pulled something from Jordan. Kobe Bryant cribbed MJ’s work ethic and on-court demeanor. LeBron James borrowed the image cultivation and marketing savvy,” B/R went on.

They did admit that there is a legitimate argument for James and his “superior scoring efficiency, passing, and longevity,” all of which he can claim over Jordan. In fact, James was pretty close to landing that top spot. “But MJ never lost on the biggest stage, and he felt pretty close to god-like in his prime,” they concluded.

Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (23) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 1992 season at Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images

That 6-0 record in the NBA Finals might be the deciding factor in this debate, at least according to Bleacher Report. The resumes for both Jordan and James are incredible, but for now, Jordan still gets the nod.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/micha...s&utm_campaign=michael-jordan-bleacher-report
 
Chicago Bulls signs Yuki Kawamura a two-way Deal after standout summer league

NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies

Yuki Kawamura has agreed to a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls, as Shams Charania reported today.

The Japanese guard just wrapped up his Summer League mission with the Chicago Bulls in Las Vegas, averaging 10.2 points, 6.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game. In the Bull’s last summer game against the Utah Jazz, he exploded for 20 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals in the Bulls’ win. His highlights then went viral on social media, showcasing his “passing wizard” reputation.

Blessing your TL with @KawamuraYuki highlights
🙏


Yuki vs. Utah: 20 PTS | 10 AST | 6-9 3FG pic.twitter.com/VvCL7ExLl4

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 19, 2025

Chicago Bulls’ Yuki Kawamura shines with a profiled résumé

Chicago Bulls: Yuki Kawamura

NBA: G League Next Up Game Team Strictly at Team Swish Cultures

At 24 and standing 5‑foot‑8, Kawamura brings lightning-quick playmaking and international pedigree to Chicago. He spent last season on a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 1.6 points and 0.9 assists in limited NBA action across 22 games, while flashing in the G League—posting 12.4 PPG, 7.8 APG and 2.7 RPG in 31 minutes per game for the Memphis Hustle.

But his résumé extends far beyond the G League. A former B‑League MVP in Japan with the Yokohama B‑Corsairs, Kawamura has also represented Team Japan on the international stage. He starred at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, delivering 13.6 PPG and 7.6 APG, including a 25-point, 9‑assist performance in a win over Finland, helping Japan secure the ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the ensuing tournament in Paris, he averaged 20.3 points and 7.7 assists during the group stage, including a 29‑point, 7‑assist explosive performance that forced France to overtime.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...ign=chicago-bulls-signs-yuki-kawamura-two-way
 
Chicago Bulls ripped to shreds over ‘liability’ contract

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan yells at an official during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center.

The Chicago Bulls signed Patrick Williams to a five-year, $90 million contract with a player option before the 2024-25 season. It has aged incredibly poorly. Williams was one of Chicago’s worst players last season, just after signing the extension, making it one of the front office’s biggest misfires in recent memory. It’s also been hailed as one of the worst deals in the NBA.

Chicago Bulls’ deal with Patrick Williams crushed by analyst​

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls have to pay Patrick Williams $72 million for the next four years, and they’re already feeling the effects of the contract. Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale ranked it the fifth-worst contract in the entire league, even worse than the Jerami Grant, Jamal Murray, and Karl-Anthony Towns deals.

This is despite it being much less money, both annually and cumulatively, than the three other deals. Williams only accounts for just under 11% of the total salary cap, too, which isn’t bad for a mega-extension. So what makes it so bad?

“Patrick Williams is not the biggest financial roadblock in terms of percentage of the salary cap,” Favale admitted. “But he’s a bona fide financial liability when considering the length of his deal and the value he provides on the court.”

The analyst continued, saying some hold out hope that he can still provide some value on both ends of the court. Defensively, Favale isn’t convinced, but he can see the vision on offense. “His career 39.2 percent clip from deep is nice, although it’s built on negligible volume (3.1 attempts per game), and he’s never come close to qualifying as a positive-impact contributor on the more glamorous end,” he added.

In terms of BBall-Index’s O-LEBRON metric, which is a rough estimate of a player’s value relative to a replacement-level basketball player, Williams has been awful. In his rookie year, he was in the second percentile. He jumped to 13th in year two but regressed to the third percentile in the following season. He jumped to 22nd in 2023-24, which led to the extension, but then regressed to the 14th percentile. He’s never been impactful.

Chicago Bulls

Apr 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) enters the United Center before the game against the Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

“At only 23, Williams remains capable of getting better. It is nevertheless baffling that the Bulls gave him a five-year contract and a player option while (likely) negotiating against themselves in 2024 restricted free agency,” Favale concluded.

Until he does somehow improve, this remains one of the sport’s worst contracts.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...ss&utm_campaign=chicago-bulls-ripped-contract
 
Bill Simmons would hate to be the Chicago Bulls right now

NBA: Brooklyn Nets at Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are not in the best place in terms of competing in the NBA. Typically, you need to be one of two things. Teams either need to be a contender like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, or Boston Celtics, or they need to be bad enough to get picks and players who can one day make them a contender.

The Bulls are neither. They are not a legitimate title contender, and they may not even be a legitimate playoff contender even in the East. They’re also too good right now to really get those picks and players, which puts them firmly in purgatory. In Bill Simmons’ mind, there’s no worse place to be.

Bill Simmons says Chicago Bulls’ five-year outlook is worst of all​

Chicago Bulls GM

Chicago Bulls vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas speaks during Chicago Bulls Media Day. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Of the non-contending teams in the NBA, Bill Simmons believes the Chicago Bulls have the least desirable situation, even worse than the Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets.

The insider said, “I don’t love a single guy on their roster. Maybe [Matas] Buzelis. At gunpoint, I like Buzelis. Is he going to make an All-NBA team? I don’t know. They have $85 million in expiring [contracts] this season, so you think like, ‘Oh, look out for the Bulls, summer 2026!’ They’ve just never been that team.”

Simmons went on to say that the Coby White decision could haunt the Bulls for a long time. “Coby White’s about to be a free agent. That scares me,” he said. “What is his next contract? I just don’t know what this team is.” Either the Bulls pay a lot to keep someone perhaps not worth it, or they lose maybe their best player for nothing in free agency.

NBA: Play In Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls

NBA: Play In Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls

Simmons posited that Bulls fans have very little to latch onto anymore. Ownership, Simmons claims, has made it very clear that they’re never going to spend a lot of money in the NBA. “I just don’t really know what this team is other than a team that’s going to go 40-42 every year,” he concluded. That is as uninspiring as it gets, so while other teams are worse, their outlooks might not be quite as saddening.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/bill-...&utm_campaign=bill-simmons-hate-chicago-bulls
 
NBA insider: Chicago Bulls remain preferred spot for key RFA

NBA: Playoffs Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves

The Chicago Bulls have been linked to Jonathan Kuminga for a very long time. They have their own RFA, Josh Giddey, that they’re working on re-signing as well. Brett Siegel, an NBA insider with ClutchPoints, revealed that Golden State still wants to send Kuminga to Chicago, but Giddey must come first.

NBA insider: Warriors want to send RFA to Chicago Bulls, who have their own RFA problem​

NBA: Playoffs Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors

NBA: Playoffs Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors

The Chicago Bulls may end up with Jonathan Kuminga after a sign-and-trade. If they do, that would apparently be ideal for the Golden State Warriors. But first, Chicago has to put an end to the Josh Giddey negotiation nightmare that’s lasted almost a month now.

ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported, “Teams like the Heat and Brooklyn Nets have not pursued Kuminga this offseason, sources said. Although the Kings did express interest in Kuminga, it seems like that ship has sailed as well after their initial conversations with Golden State went south quickly.” To Siegel, that only leaves the Bulls as a possible landing spot.

“The Warriors are still holding out belief that they can get a sign-and-trade done with the Bulls. Then again, Chicago has its own problems to figure out with Giddey,” he added. Giddey has to be signed first since Chicago is hard-capped at the first apron. Per the report, the Bulls aren’t going to trade Coby White in the hypothetical deal, and Golden State doesn’t want Nikola Vucevic.

Who does that leave? Ayo Dosunmu, who has been in trade rumors before and is being described by Siegel as a “key name to keep an eye on.” This is not just applicable to Golden State, as plenty of other teams apparently have their eye on Dosunmu as well.

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) celebrates his three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls Mar 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) celebrates his three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers with guard Josh Giddey (3) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Golden State’s issue is similar to Chicago’s: there’s just no market right now. No one wants to sign Kuminga away from the Warriors, except maybe the Bulls, who can’t. The Bulls are experiencing that issue now as well, as Giddey has no market, either.

This is not necessarily a negative for the Bulls, though, as it is likely to drive Giddey’s price down and get the star player back on a much nicer contract. The Bulls actually want to keep Giddey, unlike Golden State and Kuminga.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/nba-i...ss&utm_campaign=nba-insider-chicago-bulls-rfa
 
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