The Chicago Bulls have completed a significant roster and front office overhaul during the 2026 NBA offseason, aiming to reverse a disappointing trend. New head of basketball operations Bryson Graham and coach Tiago Splitter are now tasked with guiding a refreshed squad.
What moves did the Chicago Bulls make this offseason?
The Bulls were active in free agency and on the trade market. In a notable four-team trade, Chicago acquired defensive center Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets.
They also made several draft-night transactions. The Bulls selected forward Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick and wing Dailyn Swain at 15th. Both signed standard rookie scale contracts. Chicago traded the rights to second-round picks Braden Smith and Vsevolod Ishchenko for future swap rights and cash considerations.
Other roster moves included extending Zach Collins for two years and exercising the team option on Leonard Miller. The team also signed Tobe Awaka and Jaylin Sellers to two-way contracts.
Why did the Bulls need such a major reset?
The need for change became clear after a disappointing 2025-26 season and a criticized trade deadline. Former executives Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley were seen as slow to act, resulting in a poor return for core players. At the February 2026 deadline, the Bulls made seven deals, sending out Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Nikola Vucevic for mostly second-round picks.
This offseason continued the turnover. Key players like Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, and Nick Richards departed in free agency for other NBA teams or overseas clubs. The organization decided a full reset under new leadership was necessary to build a competitive future. You can track the new roster's development on the team's roster page.
What is the Bulls' current salary cap situation?
Chicago is operating with financial flexibility as they build around their new core. The team is currently below the $165 million salary cap by about $2 million. They are also significantly below the luxury tax line by $37.4 million.
This leaves them with the full room exception of $9.4 million still available for further signings. The front office has positioned the team to be hard-capped at the first apron, giving them room to maneuver. Their total team salary sits at $163 million for tax purposes and $165.3 million against the apron.
What can fans expect next for this new-look team?
With a new coach and a reshaped roster, the focus shifts to development and chemistry. The integration of top pick Caleb Wilson and veteran addition Nic Claxton will be watched closely. Norman Powell is expected to provide immediate scoring and perimeter defense.
The preseason will be important for establishing Tiago Splitter's system. Progress will be measured by how this new group gels, with an eye on improving their standings position over the long term. The available cap exception also means more moves could come before the season tips off.
