News Bulls Team Notes

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls GM lands brutal GPA in insider’s assessment

If the NBA were a college course, the Chicago Bulls and GM Marc Eversley (as well as Arturas Karnisovas) would be in danger of failing. Though the grade is restricted to 2025, it is arguable that this front office has been on the brink of utter failure for the last few seasons at least. Regardless, the insider who graded the work is not terribly pleased.

Chicago Bulls’ offseason gets brutal grade​

NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls

A 2.2 GPA would not be ideal in a college setting, and it is far from ideal for the NBA. The Chicago Bulls, though, have done precious little to avoid such a grade from Bleacher Report analyst Andy Bailey. They’ve just not made many good moves.

They received a D grade for the new additions, which means just Isaac Okoro. “Despite hovering around the middle of the East for much of recent NBA history, the Chicago Bulls didn’t really do anything to drastically change their fortunes this summer. Their most notable veteran addition was Isaac Okoro, who came by way of a trade for the oft-injured Lonzo Ball,” Bailey wrote.

In the world of continuity, they did improve slightly and got a C+. “The 2024-25 Bulls remain largely intact, but to what end?” Bailey asked. “The team went 39-43 in each of the last two seasons. And unless Matas Buzelis or the recently re-signed Josh Giddey have massive breakouts (not out of the question, but maybe not likely either), they’re looking at another year of mediocrity.”

This team is virtually the same as it was last year, only without Lonzo Ball and with Isaac Okoro and maybe Noa Essengue. That’s not exactly a recipe to build and move forward after a 39-win season and a play-in exit.

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

In the draft, though, the Bulls finally seemed to get it right, earning a B+ grade. “Noa Essengue brings an intriguing combination of length and athleticism to a team that already has that from Buzelis and Giddey (at least relative to his position). In a lot of ways, it feels like the Bulls are dragging their organizational feet, but there could be something coming together in the background,” Bailey wrote.

Essengue is at least a promising prospect, and picking those is the sort of thing good GMs do. The Bulls have been stuck for a while and haven’t had high draft picks to work with, but picking Buzelis and then Essengue might be the start of a semi-inspiring turnaround in Chicago.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...&utm_campaign=chicago-bulls-brutal-assessment

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls reportedly interested in another RFA after Josh Giddey signing

The Chicago Bulls just came to an agreement with their own restricted free agent: Josh Giddey. Now, there are reports that they might turn their attention to another disgruntled RFA in Jonathan Kuminga. His stalemate has lasted even longer than Giddey’s, and the Bulls are emerging as a potential suitor. Just not this year.

Chicago Bulls could land Jonathan Kuminga in 2026​

NBA: Playoffs Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors

The Chicago Bulls finally signed Josh Giddey to a four-year $100 million deal, putting an end to the stalemate that had lasted over 70 days. The Golden State Warriors have had no such success with Jonathan Kuminga, who reportedly declined a $75 million offer.

He is now reportedly considering taking the qualifying offer and playing one year before entering unrestricted free agency in 2026, which is where the Bulls might be able to step in. They project to have a lot of cap space, and they’ve been linked to Kuminga plenty.

But if that doesn’t happen, they might also get involved this year. The sense now is that something is finally going to happen soon, and there will be a breakthrough. The Bulls have been involved loosely from the beginning, so it’s possible a sign-and-trade of some kind happens, although it’s a little less likely following the Giddey deal.

Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek wrote, “Kuminga has been anything but consistent throughout his career, but he has also flashed his talent and has a high ceiling.” Adding another 22-year-old to pair with the 22-year-old Giddey, 20-year-old Matas Buzelis, and 25-year-old Coby White instead of veteran players might be wise, too.

“Chicago would offer him an opportunity for more consistent playing time than a veteran-laden team with realistic championship aspirations in Golden State, and it could still be a possible destination depending on how things unfold,” Polacek wrote.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Whether or not Kuminga will sign a deal, the qualifying offer, or be traded remains to be seen, but at every turn, the Bulls have been brought up, so the idea of him wearing black and red certainly can’t be ruled out, even if it’s next offseason.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...rss&utm_campaign=chicago-bulls-interested-rfa