Chicago Bulls Season Preview
Re-signed: Patrick Williams
Additions: Chris Duarte (trade), Josh Giddey (trade), Jalen Smith (free agent)
Draft Pick: Matas Buzelis (No. 11 overall)
Departures: DeMar DeRozan (traded to Kings), Alex Caruso (traded to Thunder), Andre Drummond (to 76ers), Javonte Green (to Pelicans)
Unsigned Free Agent: Henri Drell
Last Season Recap
The Chicago Bulls’ 2023-24 campaign ended in disappointment, as they were knocked out in the Play-In Tournament. Despite a breakout season from Coby White, who averaged 19 points and 5 assists per game, the Bulls failed to make significant strides in a highly competitive Eastern Conference. Both DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso had solid individual seasons, but despite trade rumors, the Bulls held on to them in hopes of a postseason push. However, when that playoff run didn’t materialize, they lost the chance to move either player for greater value.
Summer Summary
Chicago’s offseason was defined by two major trades. DeRozan, one of the NBA’s top clutch performers, was sent to the Kings in a three-team trade. At 35 and on an expiring contract, DeRozan’s market value wasn’t as high as it might have been earlier, and the Bulls didn’t land a major return. Similarly, the Alex Caruso trade sent him to OKC in exchange for Josh Giddey, a versatile young guard who can play multiple positions. While Caruso’s defensive impact will be missed, Giddey brings youth and upside to a team looking to get younger and more dynamic.
The Bulls used their lottery pick on Matas Buzelis, a 6-foot-10 forward with a well-rounded game who shined in Summer League. Although the draft pick offers future hope, Chicago didn’t make enough moves to catapult them into serious playoff contention this season.
Player Spotlight: Zach LaVine
The ongoing saga of Zach LaVine remains a cloud over the Bulls’ future. Ideally, the team would have liked to move on from LaVine during the offseason, but his contract and injury history (only 25 games played last season) made that difficult. The front office wasn’t willing to attach extra assets to sweeten any potential deal, leaving them with a talented yet difficult-to-trade player. Both the team and LaVine appeared open to a split, but no deal materialized, leaving an awkward situation heading into the new season.
Season Outlook
The Bulls enter the 2024-25 season in an unclear position. Zach LaVine remains on the roster, even though both sides seemed ready to part ways. The roster, led by Patrick Williams, Coby White, and Nikola Vučević, has talent, but it lacks the firepower to truly contend in the Eastern Conference. The addition of Josh Giddey provides some promise, but without a star or significant offseason acquisitions, the Bulls are likely to hover around the Play-In Tournament range again.
The key for this season will be the development of Matas Buzelis and whether he can make an impact early. The Bulls are competitive but not built for a deep playoff run, meaning the focus may shift toward player development and positioning themselves for the future.
