"Going to try to win every game": Chicago Bulls executive has no plans of tanking as rebuild-mode team gears up for new season
Following an offseason where they parted ways with multiple veterans, the Chicago Bulls appear ready to embrace a rebuild. However, some recent comments made by a member of their front office suggest otherwise.
During a recent appearance on "670 The Score," Bulls VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas gave his outlook on the team. While they appear ready to start rebuilding, Chicago plans on being competitive in 2025.
“We’re going to try to win every game,” he stated.
This summer, the Chicago Bulls made a pair of moves that suggest they're more focused on the long-term view. The first was trading Alex Caruso to the OKC Thunder in exchange for former lottery pick Josh Giddey. Then in free agency, they executed a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings for DeMar DeRozan.
With a collection of youth on the roster now, the Bulls could lean heavily into development. That said, there are still some former All-Stars on the roster who raise their competitive floor.
After missing a majority of last season due to injury, Zach LaVine is back to 100%. There is also Nikola Vucevic, who still has two years left on his contract.
Last season, the Bulls finished ninth in the Eastern Conference and found themselves in the play-in tournament. Based on these remarks, it seems as though Chicago still views themselves as a playoff team.
The Chicago Bulls have a strong incentive to bottom out in 2025
The Chicago Bulls front office might want to be competitive next season, but bottoming out might make more sense. Aside from not having enough firepower to compete with teams like the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, they have other incentives to tank.
As of now, the Bulls don't own their first-round pick in 2025. If it falls outside of the top 10, it will go to the San Antonio Spurs as part of their sign-and-trade for DeMar DeRozan.
The upcoming draft class is expected to be loaded with talent, headlined by Duke freshman Cooper Flagg. Helping the Spurs add a talented prospect alongside Victor Wembanyama is the last thing Chicago should want.
With their pick being top-ten protected, bottoming out is the only way the Chicago Bulls have a shot at having a first-round pick in 2025. They are in possession of the Portland Trail Blazers' first-round pick, but it's lottery-protected. Given the current state of their roster, that pick likely isn't going to convey.
Between bringing in an interesting talent in Josh Giddey and the breakout campaign from Coby White, the Bulls should strongly consider a rebuild. As currently constructed, they'll likely never be more than a middle-of-the-pack team in the East.