2024-25 Chicago Bulls: A quick preview

The Chicago Bulls appear ready to dismantle their roster and focus on a full rebuild around their remaining young talent. After years without significant roster changes, the Bulls shook things up this summer by trading away DeMar DeRozan, their top …

The Chicago Bulls appear ready to dismantle their roster and focus on a full rebuild around their remaining young talent. After years without significant roster changes, the Bulls shook things up this summer by trading away DeMar DeRozan, their top offensive weapon, and Alex Caruso, their defensive anchor. Although they missed the optimal window to get maximum value for both players, their trades have now positioned the team for a youth movement.

The future now centers around guard Josh Giddey, rookie forward Matas Buzelis, Coby White, and Patrick Williams. Buzelis, the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft, had an impressive Summer League showing and is expected to play a significant role this season. Standing at 6-foot-8 with rare ball-handling skills for his size, Buzelis brings much-needed versatility to the Bulls, though his shooting remains a work in progress.

Despite persistent trade rumors, Zach LaVine remains on the roster, leaving questions about whether the Bulls will trade him before the season or if he still fits into their future plans. Nikola Vucevic has also failed to meet expectations in Chicago, leaving the Bulls with a depleted frontcourt. The only reinforcement heading into the season is the addition of Jalen Smith on a bargain contract.

Aggregate 2025 NBA Mock Draft: Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey battling for No. 1 pick?

HoopsHype’s aggregate 2025 NBA mock draft lists the top prospects, including scouting reports from NBA executives and scouts by HoopsHype’s Senior NBA Insider, Michael Scotto.

HoopsHype has updated where the top prospects stand for the 2025 NBA Draft by compiling six mock drafts from ESPN, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, SB Nation, and USA TODAY. 

We spoke with an NBA executive and two scouts for their insights on the prospects for the first edition of the aggregate 2025 NBA mock draft.

An explanation for HoopsHype’s Draft Predictor from colleague Alberto de Roa, who contributed research to this story, can be found here.

NOTE: These rankings reflect the composite score to get a feel for the overall consensus, not our own opinion. For example, if a player was the first pick on a publication’s mock draft, he received 60 points. If a player was second, he received 59 points, and so on. We then tabulated the total number of points for each player’s consensus ranking.

Matas Buzelis: ‘I feel like I work harder than anybody in this draft class’

Chicago Bulls’ rookie Matas Buzelis generates excitement with his versatility and high basketball IQ. At 6-foot-10, he combines size, skill, and athleticism, making him a valuable addition to the Bulls’ roster. Buzelis comes from a rich basketball …

Chicago Bulls’ rookie Matas Buzelis generates excitement with his versatility and high basketball IQ. At 6-foot-10, he combines size, skill, and athleticism, making him a valuable addition to the Bulls’ roster.

Buzelis comes from a rich basketball heritage. His grandfather, Arvydas Jankauskas, was a former player and coach, and his other grandfather, Petras Buzelis, captained Zalgiris Kaunas, winning six Lithuanian League titles. His grandmother, Elena Buzeliene, is one of Lithuania’s greatest handball players, winning two European Champions Cups. His mother, Kristina Jankauskaite, stood out in Lithuanian youth basketball, while his father, Aidas Buzelis, played in the Lithuanian Basketball League and worked as a massage therapist for the National Team.

In an interview with HoopsHype, on behalf of Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Buzelis discussed his NBA journey, the pre-draft process, his basketball idols, and his goals with the Chicago Bulls.

(During the NBA Summer League in Vegas, Buzelis, rookies and vets participated in the Call of Duty Two-Minute Drill at the War Room suite. After two days, Bronny James won the $10,000 prize).

NBA Rumors: DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Ingram, Buddy Hield, Malik Beasley, free agency, trades

Reporting on free agency talks for DeMar DeRozan, Buddy Hield, Caleb Martin, Malik Beasley, trade talks surrounding Brandon Ingram and Dorian Finney-Smith, Dallas Mavericks targets, how the Nuggets could replace Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a potential Suns re-signing, and more from HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

With the NBA’s moratorium period ending at noon ET on Saturday, July 6, trade talks and free agency movement are expected to pick up after a slight lull the past couple of days. 

Heading into the weekend, HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel on free agency talks for DeMar DeRozan, Buddy Hield, Caleb Martin, Malik Beasley, trade talks surrounding Brandon Ingram and Dorian Finney-Smith, Dallas Mavericks targets, how the Nuggets could replace Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a potential Suns re-signing, and more. 

NBA Rumors: Lauri Markkanen Trade Talks, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Kuzma, Lakers, Knicks, 76ers

Reporting on trade talks for Lauri Markkanen and Kyle Kuzma, free agency for DeMar DeRozan, and what’s next for the Lakers, Knicks and 76ers.

Teams around the league are bolstering their rosters in an arms race for a shot at the championship, with the 76ers landing Paul George, the Knicks acquiring Mikal Bridges, the Pelicans acquiring Dejounte Murray, the Thunder adding Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein so far this summer, and the Mavericks landing Klay Thompson

Which other notable players could change teams via free agency or the trade market? 

HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel on Lauri Markkanen trade talks, a potential Bulls shakeup of its trio, Kyle Kuzma’s future, and what potential moves are ahead for the Lakers, Knicks, and 76ers. 

2024 NBA Player Option Intel: LeBron James, Paul George, D’Angelo Russell, more

HoopsHype lists the top NBA player option amounts for the 2024-25 season with reporting included from Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

Several key players are deciding their futures with looming player option decisions ahead of NBA free agency.

HoopsHype listed the top player option decisions based on the highest to the lowest salaries in that order and added intel where applicable on what direction each player will go regarding their option.

This story will be updated as each player’s option decision is finalized.

Aggregate 2024 NBA Mock Draft: Paul George, Tyrese Maxey free agency; Zach LaVine trade talks

HoopsHype’s 2024 NBA mock draft lists the top prospects and includes reporting on free agency for Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, Zach LaVine trade talks, and more from Senior NBA Inside Michael Scotto.

HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel across the league and updated where the top prospects currently stand for the 2024 NBA Draft by compiling 11 mock drafts from ESPN, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, The Ringer, NBA Big Board, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, SB Nation, NBADraft.net, and USA TODAY’s For The Win.

We also spoke with several NBA executives and scouts for their insight on the prospects for the seventh edition of the aggregate mock draft.

An explanation for HoopsHype’s Draft Predictor from colleague Alberto de Roa, who contributed research to this story, can be found here.

NOTE: These rankings reflect the composite score to get a feel for the overall consensus, not our own opinion. For example, if a player was the first pick on a publication’s mock draft, he received 60 points. If a player was second, he received 59 points, and so on. We then tabulated the total number of points for each player’s consensus ranking.

Report: Bulls trade Alex Caruso to Thunder to acquire Josh Giddey

The Chicago Bulls are sending Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal that nets them Josh Giddey.

The Chicago Bulls have pulled the trigger on their first significant move of the offseason. They have made a trade to send away 3-and-D player Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal that nets them Josh Giddey.

Giddey is a solid playmaker who averages 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting 46.4% from the floor and 31% from deep for his career. He has played all three seasons with the Thunder, but will now look to help the Bulls move forward.

Chicago’s plan is to acquire some playmaking in the form of Giddey as it believes he has All-Star potential. When considering his skill set and his ability to make plays for others, it makes a ton of sense.

Caruso averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in the 2023-24 season for the Bulls. He will now look to take his skills and help the Thunder take another step forward in the West.

[lawrence-related id=76295,76293,76288]

Bulls could lose Andre Drummond in the offseason

The Chicago Bulls are expected to lose Andre Drummond once the free agency period begins in the summer.

Andre Drummond could leave the Chicago Bulls during the offseason. The veteran big man is heading into unrestricted free agency and could garner interest from multiple teams around the NBA. Drummond was almost traded to the Philadelphia 76ers at the Feb. 8 trade deadline before the Bulls pulled out of the deal.

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times has reported that Drummond is expected to move on from Chicago this summer despite his legitimate impact when checking into games off the bench. Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9 rebounds per game while shooting 55.6% from the field.

“What remains to be seen, however, is what direction do the Bulls go? Do they prepare for DeMar DeRozan possibly leaving in free agency or if he does return — the more likely scenario — draft his heir apparent at the small forward position?” Cowley wrote. “Do they grab a big to replace the expected vacancy with Andre Drummond looking for a new team, as well as some youth to push starter Nikola Vucevic?”

Drummond will likely field offers from multiple contending teams throughout the summer. His size and rebounding ability will be a major draw for teams that are looking to shore up their defense and like to control the tempo of games.

Nevertheless, the Bulls may need to start shopping around for a new backup center, as Adama Sanogo is also set to hit the (restricted) free-agent market. The upcoming free agent period projects will be interesting for the Bulls.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=673484349 tag=2078]

 

 

Aggregate 2024 NBA Mock Draft: Intel on Knicks, Suns, Spurs, 76ers, Raptors, Nuggets, Wizards, more

HoopsHype’s aggregate 2024 NBA mock draft lists the top prospects, including reporting on the Knicks, Suns, Spurs, 76ers, Raptors, and more.

HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel across the league and updated where the top prospects currently stand for the 2024 NBA Draft by compiling 10 mock drafts from ESPN, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, The Ringer, NBA Big Board, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, SB Nation, and USA TODAY’s For The Win.

We also spoke with several NBA executives and scouts for their insight on the prospects for the sixth edition of the aggregate mock draft.

An explanation for HoopsHype’s Draft Predictor from colleague Alberto de Roa, who contributed research to this story, can be found here.

NOTE: These rankings reflect the composite score to get a feel for the overall consensus, not our own opinion. For example, if a player was the first pick on a publication’s mock draft, he received 60 points. If a player was second, he received 59 points, and so on. We then tabulated the total number of points for each player’s consensus ranking.