CHICAGO — While many NBA teams scramble to rebuild or recover from setbacks, the Chicago Bulls have remained unusually quiet this offseason — yet they’re winning without lifting a finger.
Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas hasn’t made a single roster move, draft pick, or trade, but the tides of fortune in the Eastern Conference have turned in his favor. Now, the question looms: Will the Bulls front office capitalize on the chaos to finally reshape the roster?
Eastern Conference Misfortunes Favor the Bulls
Karnišovas has enjoyed a wave of luck this offseason as several Eastern Conference contenders suffered significant blows:
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Cleveland Cavaliers, once considered a rising power, fell flat in the playoffs.
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Boston Celtics lost to the Knicks and will be without Jayson Tatum next season due to a ruptured Achilles.
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New York Knicks, after years of resurgence, shocked fans by parting ways with coach Tom Thibodeau — who has a 15-8 record against the Bulls since his Chicago dismissal.
Add to that a favorable draft lottery outcome for the Bulls — at least in terms of competition — with top prospects Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper likely heading west to Dallas and San Antonio. That’s two future problems the Bulls won’t face until possibly the Finals.
Roster Status: Calm Before the Storm?
Despite the positive winds, the Bulls still have holes to fill:
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The frontcourt remains thin.
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The team holds $135 million in cap commitments.
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Josh Giddey’s free agent hold adds another $25.1 million.
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Several players, including Nikola Vučević, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, and Ayo Dosunmu, are on expiring contracts.
But with no major draft pick yet made and no free agents signed, Chicago is standing pat — at least for now.
Karnišovas Still Prefers Trades Over Free Agent Frenzy
Sources suggest Karnišovas will lean once again into the trade market rather than free agency. Several potential moves could reshape the roster without sacrificing competitiveness.
Trade Scenarios On The Table
Daniel Gafford Reunion in Chicago?
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Gafford has been floated as a trade piece.
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The Bulls need a rim-running big to enhance defense and rebounding.
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Lonzo Ball, who carries a $10 million contract, could appeal to Dallas as they manage Kyrie Irving’s recovery from ACL surgery.
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Jevon Carter‘s player option could be included to balance salary sheets.
Jonathan Kuminga to Chicago
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A long-running rumor, Kuminga would bring athleticism and youth.
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A sign-and-trade with Golden State may involve Vučević, Ball, and a protected first-round pick.
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Kuminga, 22, fits Chicago’s timeline if they opt to build around younger assets.
Zion Williamson — A Big Swing
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New Orleans may be ready to part with the oft-injured star amid ongoing legal issues.
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A package of White and Vučević could be enough to lure the Pelicans into a deal.
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The move would be risky but potentially game-changing for Chicago’s frontcourt.
What Comes Next?
Despite everything breaking their way, the Bulls front office has yet to strike. With other teams weakening, Karnišovas must decide whether to seize the moment or wait for one more shoe to drop. The path forward could include blockbuster trades — or another quiet offseason banking on continuity and improvement.
Do you trust Artūras Karnišovas’ patience — or should the front office swing big while the East stumbles? Drop your thoughts in the comments below on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
