Bulls fire Karnišovas, Eversley, ending "AKME" era
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Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley are introduced at the Bulls practice facilities in 2020. Photo: Chris Ramirez/NBAE via Getty Images
The Chicago Bulls have fired Executive VP Artūras Karnišovas and GM Marc Eversley, abruptly ending a five-year run defined by big swings — and middling results.
The latest: Owner Michael Reinsdorf didn't wait for the offseason, moving to reset the franchise and install new leadership ahead of a pivotal summer.
What they're saying: "We have not had the success our fans deserve, and it's my responsibility to go in a new direction," Reinsdorf said in a statement.
- "I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand your frustration. I feel it as well."
Reality check: A new front office gets a clean slate this summer — but the Bulls have been stuck in the middle through multiple "resets."
- The firing will ensure that whoever takes over front office duties will be in charge of the Bulls rebuild, which includes evaluating the roster, preparing for the NBA draft and acquiring free agents.
Flashback: Karnišovas and Eversley arrived in 2020, tasked with rebuilding a franchise stuck in neutral under Gar Forman and John Paxson.
- They made aggressive moves early — acquiring DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, Nikola Vučević and Alex Caruso — helping the Bulls surge to the top of the East in 2021-22.
Yes, but: Momentum stalled after Ball's knee injury, and Chicago made just one playoff appearance under their leadership.
Between the lines: The front office faced growing criticism for doubling down on a core that couldn't contend, including major investments in Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams.
- The Bulls failed to meaningfully upgrade the roster, settling into mediocrity with three consecutive play-in exits.
By the numbers: The team was 224-254 under AKME's tenure.
Zoom out: Draft results were mixed at best. Patrick Williams (No. 4 in 2020) hasn't met expectations, while later picks failed to stick. Matas Buzelis (No. 11 in 2024) shows promise but remains a work in progress.
What to watch: The future of coach Billy Donovan, who is well-regarded internally but has been linked to the University of North Carolina opening.
What's next: A pivotal offseason. Reinsdorf could look to candidates with ties to the Bulls or to established executives to lead the next phase.
- The NBA draft lottery is set for May 12.
The bottom line: The Bulls are moving on from a front office that couldn't escape the middle — but fans have heard promises of change before.