The Chicago Bulls are set to begin training camp on September 28, 2026, with a young roster looking to build after a tough recent stretch.
Despite adding potential superstar rookie Caleb Wilson to a core featuring Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey, the Bulls' three-year outlook ranks just 27th in a recent ESPN analysis. Only the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings were rated lower. This reflects the reality of a long-term rebuild, where Chicago is expected to struggle for at least two of the next three seasons.
New head coach Tiago Splitter and executive Bryson Graham have overhauled the bench. The team's approach is to see which players fit best alongside forwards Buzelis and Wilson.
As the season nears, NBA rookies exchanged praise. Caleb Wilson named Philadelphia 76ers guard Labaron Philon the best scorer in their class. The No. 1 overall pick, AJ Dybantsa, picked himself and Wilson as the top defenders among 2026-27 rookies. Wilson, for his part, selected San Antonio Spurs forward Jayden Quaintance as his favorite rookie defender.
These interactions show the respect within the incoming class.
Significant money flowed to veterans around the league. The New Orleans Pelicans committed $55.5 million over three years to forward Saddiq Bey, guaranteeing the full amount and including a trade kicker. Bey averaged a career-high 17.7 points last season.
The Utah Jazz made a major investment in guard Keyonte George. They signed him to a five-year, $157.5 million extension. This came after Utah drafted Darryn Peterson second ahead of players like Cameron Boozer and the Bulls' own Caleb Wilson.
Former Bulls star DeMar DeRozan also found a new home. After two years with the Sacramento Kings, he joined the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon all personally recruited the six-time All-Star.
Media Day kicks things off on September 28, followed immediately by training camp. The focus will be on integrating Caleb Wilson and establishing Splitter's system. The Bulls also added shooting guard Norman Powell from the Miami Heat in free agency, adding a veteran presence.
But consistency is the challenge. The rebuild is fully underway, and patience will be required as this young group develops together.
