At the head of a row of cubicles in Chicago, the offices of Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley offer a strategic vantage point overseeing the basketball courts below. Karnisovas, the Chicago Bulls' Vice President of Basketball Operations, and Eversley, the General Manager, have been at the helm with a vision that has demanded a series of dramatic changes.
The past season was another disappointing chapter for the Bulls. For the second consecutive year, they were ousted by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, marking their sixth playoff miss in seven years and the third under Karnisovas' four-year tenure. During a press conference, Karnisovas didn't shy away from accountability, stating, "I take full responsibility."
Building for the Future
Determined to alter the team's trajectory, Karnisovas solicited insights from the front office, coaches, and players. This collaborative approach aimed to construct a new vision for the squad. Consequently, significant roster moves followed. The Bulls chose not to re-sign DeMar DeRozan, allowing him to explore free agency, and traded away Alex Caruso. Andre Drummond also found a new home as the Bulls decided to inject younger talent into the roster.
"We've gone young," said Eversley. "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."
Newcomers in their 20s, such as Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Jalen Smith, were brought in to replace veterans. This infusion of youth signals a shift towards building a team that can compete for years to come. Coby White's impressive performance, which saw him finish second in the NBA's Most Improved Player award voting, further emphasizes the potential of this young squad.
Farewell to DeRozan
DeRozan's departure was a pivotal moment. Despite his continued desire to stay in Chicago, as evidenced by his plains to remain in the city throughout the season, the front office decided to part ways. "A thank you would be an understatement," DeRozan expressed in his farewell message. "The love, passion and joy you filled me with for three seasons was a dream."
Marc Eversley added his reflections on the trade: "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."
Training Camp in Nashville
In another unprecedented move, the Bulls held their training camp at Belmont University in Nashville, marking the first time in nearly four decades the camp was held outside Chicago. This change of scenery could signify a fresh start and a renewed sense of focus as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Turning the Tide
Heading into the trade deadline, the Bulls were 24-27. Although prioritization was on making the play-in tournament again, they retained Caruso and Drummond. However, as the season progressed, they eventually traded Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Giddey. Moreover, the Bulls managed a sign-and-trade with the Kings, ensuring DeRozan landed a three-year, $74 million contract.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine had undergone season-ending surgery in February but has now fully recovered. Eversley remains optimistic about LaVine's return. "The most unfortunate situation for Zach last year was that he got hurt. Coming out of camp, he wasn't right. When he came back, he was pretty good and the team was pretty good. Small sample size, but we can build off that," Eversley elaborated. "Simply put, we're looking forward to having him come back to training camp and joining the team."
Coaching Changes
Adjustments weren't confined to the roster alone. Mo Cheeks, Chris Fleming, and Josh Longstaff were replaced by Wes Unseld Jr. and Dan Craig. These coaching changes reflect a broader organizational shift intended to align with the team’s new direction.
The Bulls owe their 2025 first-round draft pick to the Spurs, though it remains top-10 protected. This could play a significant role in future strategic decisions, depending on the team's performance over the next couple of seasons.
In summary, while the Bulls' recent history has been fraught with challenges, the steps taken by Karnisovas and Eversley suggest a commitment to long-term success. As Eversley succinctly put it, "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. Now it's time to put in the work and see if some of those changes are going to be fruitful or not."