Full Quote: Dating back to the offseason, Bulls vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas emphasized the flexibility that the heap of expiring salary gave the team. Chicago, aiming to sneak past the Play-In in recent seasons, hasn’t been known to value such assets to this degree. While the Bulls’ involvement in the deal felt uncharacteristic, multiple league sources indicated to The Athletic that the Bulls have signaled to teams that they’re available as a hub to facilitate money for apron and tax-paying teams, which they helped Cleveland do in this deal.
All signs point to the Bulls leaning toward developing their young core. Chicago doesn’t seem likely to lean as far back as a tank/rebuild — a) ownership still dictates direction, and b) history shows head coach Billy Donovan is far too competitive to stomach anything resembling a rebuild — but it has emerged as a team much more focused on acquiring young players and assets than in prior seasons.
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People here are going to be disappointed when the biggest move that happens is Vuc gets shipped off for some salary filler and a 2nd rounder or two.
Bulls Legend Cash Considerations back in a new role
More 2nd rounders…yay…
“As opposed to the past, these Bulls seem focused on operating around a youthful framework centered on three core players in Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue — all age 23 or younger.”
Trying to sell fans on their vision by saying Essengue is a “core player” to build around is yet another example to show that the team thinks their fans are suckers. Selling the same terrible product and their pitch for hope for the future is a raw 18 year old out for the season who played what, 10 minutes of NBA action all season?
I really dont see anyone on this “Young Core” as the two best players on a championship team.
“Don’t expect anything to get excited about, we’re a play-in team at best.”
– Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf.