30 Teams in 30 Days: Chicago Bulls

• Get NBA League Pass TODAY >
Offseason
Last season
The Bulls were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament and once again failed to elevate themselves into the upper class in the East, even with a breakout season by Coby White (19 points and 5 assists per game).
DeRozan and Caruso also had solid seasons, and when the trade deadline arrived, NBA circles were abuzz about the possibility of the Bulls swapping one or both. But Chicago wanted them for a possible playoff run. When that didn’t materialize, they lost an opportunity in a market that subsequently cooled as summer approached.
Summer summary
The Bulls made a pair of trades involving their best assets that didn’t exactly bring massive returns. That said, the Caruso deal with OKC, on the surface and in a best-case scenario, might prove beneficial. It was straight up for Giddey, a young up-and-comer with reasonably solid skills and someone who can play multiple positions.
DeRozan, meanwhile, is one of the league’s finest clutch performers and better than Caruso. But his age (35) and contract situation (he was on his final year) were roadblocks. Ultimately, the Kings received DeRozan in the three-team deal and the Bulls got … not as much. No first-round pick nor a young, top-of-the-rotation player.
Spotlight on
Which brings us to the elephant in the room — Zach LaVine. Ideally, the Bulls would’ve loved to part ways with him over the summer. His injury history — he played just 25 games last year — combined with his salary put the clamps on those plans. The Bulls weren’t willing to add sweeteners to any LaVine trade or take back a clunky contract. LaVine was willing to go elsewhere, too, except neither the team nor the declining asset could make anything happen.
How far can the Bulls go?
So this is where the Bulls are, ready to start the season with LaVine, who is someone they don’t want and a player who isn’t in high demand around the league despite his ability to get buckets. It all complicates the Bulls’ outlook; they didn’t put themselves in position to contend, and instead ensured they’d be mid-level and competing for another Play-In spot at best.
They used their lottery pick on Buzelis, who looked sharp in Summer League (for whatever that’s worth) and brings a sense of hope. He has good court sense, skills and could get meaty playing time. With White, LaVine, Williams and Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls project as competitive some nights, not so much for a playoff spot.
Up next: Detroit Pistons | Previously: Indiana Pacers
30 Teams in 30 Days: Complete schedule
* * *
Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery.