The Chicago Bulls are officially starting a rebuild for the 2026-27 NBA season, a major shift after years of middling results. The franchise finished last season 31-51 and missed the playoffs for a fourth straight year, a run that ended with a 149-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on April 13, 2026. The organization responded with sweeping changes, dismissing executives Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley and parting ways with head coach Billy Donovan. Tiago Splitter is the new head coach, with former player Taj Gibson joining his staff as an assistant.
The Bulls are not pretending to be contenders. They drafted Caleb Wilson fourth overall and Dailyn Swain 15th in the 2026 NBA Draft. In free agency, they added veteran scorer Norman Powell and defensive center Nic Claxton. The moves signal a clear pivot towards youth and development. Josh Giddey, Rob Dillingham, and Matas Buzelis are now central to the team's future plans. This new core will get significant playing time as the Bulls evaluate their long-term pieces.
Replacing departed talent won't be simple. The team's offensive efficiency was near the bottom of the league last season. Losing Anfernee Simons, acquired at last season's trade deadline, removes a primary shot creator and three-point shooter. Collin Sexton's aggression and scoring also departed. Norman Powell's arrival should help fill some of that scoring void, but the short-term outlook likely involves growing pains. The Bulls seem prepared for that reality as they build for the future.
Nic Claxton is the most important new player for Chicago. The Bulls' defense was a disaster last year, allowing 121.5 points per game, which ranked 28th in the NBA. Their net rating was a dismal -5.1. Claxton provides an athletic big man who can protect the rim and defend in space, a skill set head coach Tiago Splitter will rely on heavily. He doesn't solve all the problems, but he directly addresses the team's most glaring weakness.
Norman Powell brings valuable experience and scoring, but Claxton's impact on the defensive end is what makes his signing stand out. He gives the young Bulls a defensive anchor they have lacked for years. Improving that end of the floor is the quickest path to making games competitive, even during a rebuilding season. Fans can track the team's defensive progress and other key metrics on our stats page throughout the preseason.
The direction finally makes sense. After years of chasing play-in tournament spots with veteran-heavy rosters, the franchise has committed to a youth movement. Wins over Washington showed flashes of potential, but consistency was absent.
Growth from players like Josh Giddey and the rookie class will determine the season's success. The schedule ahead is tough, and the team's schedule will test this young group early. The goal isn't a playoff berth this year. It's about establishing a foundation. If the young core develops, the Bulls could return to contention in the coming seasons. For now, patience is required as the new era begins at the United Center.
