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New York Times
30-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Did Bulls take step forward or step back? They're in same place they always are
Depending on your perspective, the Chicago Bulls either took a step forward or a step back this season. 'We took a step forward this year,' Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas said in his season-ending news conference on April 17. 'We took a step back this season to reposition and retool,' general manager Marc Eversley said after the draft Wednesday. Advertisement The funny thing is they finished 39-43 and in ninth place in the East for the second straight year. So, with apologies to Paula Abdul and MC Skat Kat, maybe the Bulls took one step forward and one step back. To be fair, Karnišovas was talking about the progress the young players (well, some of them) made during the season, and Eversley was speaking about the team's strategy going into the season. But no matter how you look at it, the Bulls remained constant: a sub-.500 team known mostly for infuriating its fans. Did I mention these two guys reportedly got contract extensions, along with coach Billy Donovan? Never let it be said Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf's standards are too high. On Wednesday, the Bulls made a move that I championed by drafting a long-term project in 18-year-old French forward Noa Essengue. Because I have little to no faith in the front office, I think this move made the most sense if the goal is to be relevant. Like a degenerate gambler, they need a bet to hit. Essengue might not amount to anything, but he embodies hope. He's raw, but he's young, tall and gifted. This team must take risks because the front office gives it a disadvantage. Whether the Bulls develop Essengue is another question. To follow that move, on Friday, Chicago traded Lonzo Ball straight-up to Cleveland for Isaac Okoro. Once again, no draft picks are coming the Bulls' way. This is why I stressed that they need to take chances like drafting Essengue over ready-made college players like Derik Queen or Carter Bryant. For the second straight summer, the Bulls did a favor for a contending team and received the bare minimum in return. The failures of this front office to sustain a competitive team and their disregard for a common-sense approach to rebuilding have again made the team a curiosity in the NBA and an object of ridicule in Chicago. Advertisement Last year, the Bulls dealt Alex Caruso, their most valuable trade chip, to the Oklahoma City Thunder for point guard Josh Giddey, whom the Thunder were looking to move. Caruso was the kind of player OKC needed to win a title, and lo and behold, it worked out exactly as planned. This time around, Cleveland, which should battle Indiana as the top team in the East next season, was looking to get out of the last two years of Okoro's three-year, $33 million deal and add a backup point guard capable of meaningful minutes. We'll see how that unfolds this season. Giddey, meanwhile, had his moments. Chicago is obsessed with being an uptempo offensive team and Giddey can be the perfect kind of point guard for that strategy. But as a restricted free agent, with free agency starting Monday, he'll likely be asking for a deal so offensive your father-in-law will be complaining about it for the next four years. Okoro averaged about 14 minutes per game for the Cavs in the playoffs (five fewer than the regular season) and scored a total of 41 points in nine games. He's a defensive wing, which the Bulls could use, but not a difference maker. He'll be a rotational player for a losing team. In the deal, the Cavs got out of an extra year of his contract (around $11 million) and acquired Ball, who could play a productive role off the bench, provided he stays healthy. In the Caruso trade, it was especially maddening that the Bulls didn't get a draft pick along with Giddey, considering that the Thunder had a treasure trove of picks in the future. It's like going trick or treating at the biggest house in your neighborhood and not getting a full-size candy bar. After this year's trade deadline, The Athletic's John Hollinger wrote: 'According to a league source, the Bulls had a firm offer to get a first-round pick and take on future money for Lonzo Ball and extended him instead.' Advertisement So they traded Ball for presumably less future money and no draft pick. That's the mark of a mark. As a general rule, rebuilding teams should be focused on hoarding assets. Timelines may differ, and there should be an ethical concern for competitive play and the general idea that sports are an entertainment product, but really, the whole concept revolves around the accumulation of talent. In Major League Baseball, that means acquiring minor-league prospects. In the NBA, it's draft picks. The Bulls, who are definitely rebuilding, have chosen to go about their process differently by not tanking and forgoing draft picks almost entirely in their quixotic approach to building a deep, balanced contender that is preparing to contend one day down the road. They don't acquire picks in trades, and when they trade second-rounders away, they do it for money, not more second-round picks down the road. (They moved down 10 spots in the second round this year and got cash in return.) There is a thought process to the plan, though. It's a bad one that is likely to continue being unsuccessful, but it exists. After the season, Karnišovas said the goal is to 'minimize the timeline' of that strategy by targeting 'young players with experience,' which speaks to why they acquired Giddey and Okoro. But it doesn't mean he couldn't also add draft picks. The Bulls had the leverage. ISAAC OKORO OVER THREE DEFENDERS 🤯 🤯 🤯 — ESPN (@espn) December 16, 2021 In Karnisovas' first season running the team, he showed what kind of negotiator he is when he traded two future protected picks in a midseason deal for Nikola Vučević. One of those picks turned into potential star Franz Wagner (No. 8 in 2021), and the other became the disappointing Jett Howard (No. 11 in 2023). 'Vooch' has been a nice player for the Bulls, but not one who has accomplished a lot. Advertisement Four years ago, the Bulls felt great about their new core of Vučević, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Caruso and Ball. It represented an exciting new strategy for the franchise, which hadn't had much success in free agency. But once Ball got hurt midway through his first season, the Bulls couldn't adjust, falling from first to sixth in the East. Their return to the playoffs was brief, and in the next three seasons, they had losing records and couldn't get out of the Play-In Tournament. Which brings us to where we are today, another rebuild. Four of those five players are now gone, and the only first-round pick the Bulls acquired for them was their own. They're trying to trade Vučević this summer. The Bulls nearly lucked into Cooper Flagg in the lottery, but a lost tiebreaker to Dallas kept them in the No. 12 spot. Without a superstar to save them, the Bulls can point to the Indiana Pacers as a model. 'In terms of moving forward, I think there's different structures that you can try to get to your championship,' Karnišovas said at the trade deadline. 'There's (having) two, three star players and a lot of role players or you can build a (team) of nine or 10 very good players. I think now we're leaning towards having a lot of solid good players, nine or 10, that can last through the season because there's going to be injuries. I think more and more teams are doing that.' With the era of the superteam seemingly over, the success of the Thunder and Pacers in this year's playoffs can give validation to his plan. The Thunder and Pacers were right there with the Bulls two years ago when OKC and Chicago finished with 40-42 records and Indiana was 35-47. But then last season, as the Bulls finished 39-43, Indiana traded for Pascal Siakam and improved to 47-35 while the Thunder's young players flourished and they finished first in the West at 57-25. Advertisement Last season, Indiana went on a run and finished 50-32, fourth in the East, and the Thunder won the West again, this time with a 68-14 record. The Bulls were again 39-43. The Thunder should be the paragon for any team doing a rebuild, but OKC has Sam Presti running the show, which is the difference. If Presti is the Michael Jordan of his job, Karnišovas is Denzel Valentine. (No offense to Denzel.) I'm sure the Bulls are selling the Pacers as their model to their bosses, and the Reinsdorfs will probably buy it. Here's what Eversley said about them after the draft: 'I think the thing I take away from Indiana is just their style of play. They continue to come at you over and over, and they play fast. In spite of what the score is, what quarter it is. I think that's kind of how we played a little bit this year. We've got a bunch of players who can play on both sides of the floor, and that's exactly what we want to build here in Chicago — players who are versatile, both offensively and defensively. Everybody can guard, everybody can defend, everybody run, everybody make a shot.' The Bulls' collection of talent is not only inferior to Indiana's, but to really win like the Pacers did, you also need a Tyrese Haliburton, who lifted his team by being almost unbelievably clutch in the playoffs. Do the Bulls have that guy? Not yet. Maybe it's Matas Buzelis or Coby White. But I wouldn't bet on it. So what's next? Chicago doesn't have much space to add in free agency, and it's likely to make a trade or two, though I wouldn't count on the Bulls getting much in return. Regardless, Eversley said they won't skip steps or chase short-term success in this iteration of their rebuild. They won't tank either. Maybe they'll get lucky and Essengue and Buzelis turn into stars. Maybe next year's draft lottery will go better. But my guess is they'll find themselves in the same position as a once-proud team toiling in irrelevancy. (Photo of Noa Essengue: Melanie Fidler / NBAE via Getty Images)
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Marc Eversley gets real on decision to not trade up in NBA Draft
The post Marc Eversley gets real on decision to not trade up in NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints. Leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft, there were a lot of rumors surrounding the Chicago Bulls and the possibility of trading up for a higher draft pick. The Bulls were in possession of the 12th overall pick, but there was chatter about the team being interested in Ace Bailey, who slid down a couple of spots further than originally expected. The Bulls decided to stay at 12, however, and they selected French prospect Noa Essengue. Advertisement The Bulls decided not to trade up, but it was a possibility. GM Marc Eversley met with the media after day one of the 2025 NBA Draft, and he told reporters that the team has spoke to multiple teams about the possibility of trading up, and also trading back. 'We looked at several options, both moving up and moving back,' Marc Eversley said, according to a post from K.C. Johnson. 'We were in contact with 3-4 teams but as board moved, we felt comfortable a good player would be available.' The NBA Draft isn't over yet as day two will take place on Thursday, and the Bulls are in possession of another pick. Chicago currently holds the 15th pick in the second round, which is the 45th overall pick. Eversley gave some insight on the team's strategy ahead of round two. 'Bulls GM Marc Eversley said team will consider moving out completely of second round on Thursday,' K.C. Johnson said in a post. 'Also may consider a draft-and-stash player.' Advertisement Day two of the NBA Draft is important as well, but the 12th pick is obviously the one that mattered most for the Bulls. The team hasn't made a lot of big trades or free agency signings in recent years, so these lottery picks need to start panning out. It seems like the Bulls got a good one last year as Matas Buzelis was an immediate impact player, so it will be interesting to see what Noa Essengue's role is during his rookie season. Day two of the 2025 NBA Draft will get underway on Thursday at 8 ET from the Barclays Center in New York. Related: Marc Eversley's 'patience' take after Noa Essengue NBA Draft pick Related: Marc Eversley reveals Bulls' future plan for Noa Essengue
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers make 2nd-round draft trade with Bulls to jump 10 spots
The post Lakers make 2nd-round draft trade with Bulls to jump 10 spots appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Los Angeles Lakers now have a higher pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft as they have agreed to terms on a trade with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls were originally in possession of the 45th overall pick in the draft, and that pick has now gone to the Lakers in exchange for the 55th overall pick and cash. Advertisement 'The Los Angeles Lakers are moving up in the second round of the NBA Draft tonight, acquiring the No. 45 pick from the Chicago Bulls for No. 55 and cash, sources tell ESPN,' Shams Charania said in a post. Bulls GM Marc Eversley made it clear on Wednesday night that the team was planning on either moving out of the second round entirely, or taking the draft-and-stash route. It is a bit surprising to see the Bulls giving up what could be another valuable draft pick as they try to build a young core, but this was clearly part of the plan. The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft went down on Wednesday night, and the Lakers were not involved in any picks or transactions. The Bulls were in possession of the 12th overall pick, and they used it to select French prospect Noa Essengue. Essengue has some developing to do before he is a real contributor for the team, but the Bulls are confident about his future with the organization. Chicago is clearly satisfied with how their NBA Draft has gone given the fact that the team has now traded away its other pick and moved back 10 spots. Don't be surprised if the Bulls end up making another trade before that 55th pick rolls around, and if they don't, they will likely take a player who they plan to develop overseas or in the G League. Advertisement Day two of the 2025 NBA Draft will get underway on Thursday at 8 ET from the Barclays Center in New York. Related: Bill Simmons piles on Bulls for Lakers trade Related: Lakers' LeBron James urged to retire by Jeff Teague
CBS News
27-06-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Bulls trade down with Lakers, pick Australian Lachlan Olbrich in 2nd round of NBA Draft
For their second-round NBA Draft pick Thursday night, the Chicago Bulls traded down from 45 to 55 with the Los Angeles Lakers for cash considerations, and then took Australian big man Lachlan Olbrich. Olbrich stands 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 230 pounds, and played the last two seasons in the NBL in Australia —helping his team win the league's championship last season. Olbrich also impressed at the NBA Draft Combine. He is also expected to get a two-way deal with the Bulls. This pick comes a day after the Bulls also looked outside the college ranks for their first-round pick, taking Frenchman Noa Essengue 12th overall. Essengue spent this past season playing in the top professional league in Germany. He is an athletic big man who said himself he can do pretty much everything, but does need to improve his shooting. Essengue is also only 18 years old, and it seems unlikely he'll be a key contributor anytime soon. That seems to be fine with general manager Marc Eversley who described the Bulls as a team in transition. "I think we're just going to continue to focus on player development, and you know, we've established a style of play offensively. I think the next iteration of this is really identifying who we are defensively, and how we can improve. You know, for our young players — I'll use Matas [Buzelis] as an example — Matas, second half of the season, was terrific. I think everybody in the room would agree," said Eversley. "How does he now respond to be on the scouting report? What does he do in the summer to work on his game, knowing that?"
Chicago Tribune
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago Bulls trade down in the 2nd round of NBA draft
The Chicago Bulls are moving down — but not out — in the second round of the NBA draft. The Bulls made a swap Thursday morning with the Los Angeles Lakers, trading the No. 45 pick for the No. 55 pick and cash considerations, per a report by ESPN. General manager Marc Eversley hinted after Wednesday's first round that the Bulls were considering a trade down in the second round. The Bulls currently have 12 players under contract for the 2025-26 season, a number that will jump to 13 if they complete expected plans to re-sign Josh Giddey. The roster is expected to undergo further change before the start of the season, but this overstuffed lineup of guaranteed contracts makes the draft a bit of a puzzle for the Bulls this year. The Bulls already added young talent by selecting French teenager Noa Essengue with the No. 12 pick. Essengue is only 18 years old — and won't turn 19 until December — which means the Bulls will take their time developing him into a regular rotation player. If the Bulls still choose to pick in the second round, that player would have to make a considerable impression during summer league in Las Vegas to muscle out a spot on an already crowded roster. The second round of the NBA draft will begin Thursday at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN. Who is Noa Essengue? 6 things to know about the Chicago Bulls' No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
