"The Bulls enter 2025-26 coming off their fourth-straight play-in appearance and second-straight 39-win season. Their biggest move of the offseason was flipping Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro, which was more poor asset management on the Bulls' part after what was reportedly available at the deadline. Ball does have notable health concerns. But they sold low on an expiring contract to take on more guaranteed money not only in 2025-26, but the following season as well."
"Chicago did have an overabundance of guards last year. But Okoro doesn't help alleviate that, though he is a palatable defender and (corner) 3-point shooter. I can't say I was a big of fan of Essengue - relative to where they picked him - pre-draft. I was much lower on him than the consensus; he's going to have to get much stronger to compete at the NBA level and will have to improve his shot significantly."
"Josh Giddey remains a free agent. Last summer, I was down about the trade and, to a certain extent, I was very wrong. I don't think Chicago should give him the desired $30 million annually, but anywhere in the $20-25 million range wouldn't be bad for either side. I do, however, like the Bulls bringing back Billy Donovan. He's a legitimately good coach who knows how to adapt. That matters! Don't be fooled by his record. Grade: C-"
Chicago enters 2025-26 after a fourth-straight play-in appearance and a second-straight 39-win season. The offseason included trading Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro, which increased guaranteed salary and raised questions about asset management given Ball's expiring contract and health concerns. Okoro provides perimeter defense and corner three-point shooting but does not reduce the team's guard surplus. The Bulls selected Noa Essengue at 12 and Lachlan Olbrich at 25; Essengue will need to add strength and improve his shot, while Olbrich offers skill despite limited athleticism. Josh Giddey remains a free agent. Billy Donovan was retained as head coach. The offseason grade is C-.
Read at Hot Hot Hoops - Miami HEAT NBA Blog
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