Bulls' big decisions loom over offseason
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Bulls general manager Marc Eversley, executive VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas, and assistant GM JJ Polk at the 2023 NBA draft lottery. Photo: Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images
The Chicago Bulls continue their offseason overhaul this week with the 11th overall pick in Wednesday's NBA draft.
The big picture: A midround draft pick won't change the Bulls' current course: They've missed the playoffs the past two seasons.
- There's a chance they could trade up, but this year's draft class isn't great.
Reality check: The draft might net a solid player like Providence's Devin Carter or G-League star Ron Holland, but it's what happens after the draft that will determine how this team looks next season.
- Free agency begins Sunday.
Driving the news: The Bulls already cut ties with fan-favorite Alex Caruso, trading him to Oklahoma City for Josh Giddy. It could be a good move, but it was financially motivated because Caruso was eligible for a contract extension.
Here are three players who will make or break the Bulls' roster next season:
Zach LaVine
LaVine is paid like a superstar but hasn't lived up to those expectations. The Bulls chose to pay him $215 million two seasons ago, and that hefty contract is preventing shipping LaVine elsewhere.
- According to league sources, teams are just not interested.
Lonzo Ball
You could point to Ball as the reason the Bulls have missed the playoffs and refused to blow up the roster. When Ball last played, the Bulls were atop the East. Two full seasons and three knee surgeries later, Ball could return soon, but with severe limitations.
Patrick Williams
The forward never developed into the stud the Bulls thought they were drafting with the fourth overall pick in 2020. Williams has been injury-prone and a role player at best. The Bulls passed on drafting Tyrese Maxey and Tyrese Haliburton to select Williams.
Yes, but: Because he's still young (22), the Bulls could get something for the free agent providing they try to sign him first.
What's next: The NBA draft begins at 7pm Wednesday on ABC 7.