The Chicago Bulls’ former executive Artūras Karnišovasa has landed a new role with the NBA just months after his firing. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hired Karnišovasa to help build NBA Europe, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic. The league plans to launch the competition in October 2027 with 16 teams—12 permanent franchises and four qualification spots. The Bulls cut ties with Karnišovasa in April 2026 after a 31-51 season. Last result: Dallas Mavericks 149-128 Chicago Bulls (2026-04-13). The Bulls have lost four straight games heading into the offseason.
What happened?
Silver named Karnišovasa to assist with rules and governance, recruiting, player pathways, and youth development. He’ll also act as a liaison between the NBA and NBA Europe. Karnišovasa, 55, brings deep basketball operations experience. He played professionally in Lithuania, Spain, Greece, and Bologna from 1987 to 2002. He also won two Olympic gold medals with Lithuania in 1992 and 1996. His NBA front-office career includes stints in the league office from 2003 to 2008 and as an international scout for the Houston Rockets. In 2013, he became the Denver Nuggets’ assistant GM and helped draft Nikola Jokić in 2014.
Why it matters for Chicago Bulls
The Bulls’ front office overhaul continues after hiring Bryson Graham as VP of Basketball Operations in May 2026. Karnišovasa’s exit followed a six-season run as the Bulls’ Executive VP of Basketball Operations. During that stretch, the Bulls made just one playoff appearance in 2022 and failed to reach 40 wins. Their recent form shows four straight losses, with the last five at 1W-0D-4L. Chicago’s rebuild now hinges on Graham’s ability to turn around a roster that has struggled to stay competitive. The Bulls’ struggles under Karnišovasa have left fans questioning the direction of the franchise.
What comes next?
The NBA’s Europe push is set for 2027, targeting 10 cities: London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Munich, Berlin, Madrid, Lyon, Istanbul, and Athens. The league will own 50% of the new competition. Karnišovasa’s hiring signals Silver’s commitment to global growth. For the Bulls, the focus shifts to internal development under Graham. The franchise’s next moves could define its trajectory for years to come. The Bulls’ recent struggles—including a 128-point outing in Dallas—highlight the urgency of the rebuild.