Eastern Conference · Central Division
Chicago · United Center · Founded in 1966 · 6 titles (latest in 1998)
The franchise
Head coach
Tiago Splitter since 2026
Former Brazilian player and 2014 champion with the Spurs; in his first NBA head coaching job, he replaces Billy Donovan, who stepped down in April.
Assistants
What the franchise says and what its moves show
The Bulls have overhauled everything from the top down: a new front office, a new coach and a clearer identity. Graham has summed up his vision with an acronym, SLAP (size, length, athleticism and physicality), and has made Caleb Wilson the new face of the franchise. He's joined by young players such as Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Rob Dillingham and Noa Essengue, with veterans (Claxton and Powell) helping bridge the transition.
Building around
Caleb Wilson Matas Buzelis Josh Giddey
What they have said
At his introduction he summed up the profile he's looking for in an acronym: size, length, athleticism and physicality.
Executive VP Bryson Graham · theScore / AP · May 2026He said they chose Splitter for his basketball IQ, his ability to connect with and develop young players, and how hard his teams compete.
Executive VP Bryson Graham · AP · June 2026He thanked the organization for its trust and described the project as a young, hungry group in a passionate city with tradition.
Head coach Tiago Splitter · AP · June 2026What the data points to
Summer 2026
Latest
14 NBA contracts · 2026-27 salaries
| Player | Age | Salary | Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starters | |||
| Josh Giddey G | 24 | 25.0 M | 2028-29 |
| Norman Powell G | 33 | 21.5 M | 2027-28 |
| Matas Buzelis F | 22 | 5.7 M | 2027-28 |
| Caleb Wilson F | 20 | 10.7 M | 2029-30 |
| Nic Claxton C | 27 | 23.1 M | 2027-28 |
| Rotation | |||
| Tre Jones G Bargain | 26 | 8.0 M | 2027-28 |
| Isaac Okoro F Expiring | 25 | 11.8 M | 2026-27 |
| Jalen Smith F Expiring | 26 | 9.4 M | 2026-27 |
| Patrick Williams F | 25 | 18.0 M | 2028-29 |
| Dailyn Swain G | 21 | 5.0 M | 2029-30 |
| The rest | |||
| Zach Collins F | 28 | 8.3 M | 2027-28 |
| Buddy Hield G | 33 | 9.7 M | 2027-28 |
| Tobe Awaka F | 22 | – | – |
| Leonard Miller F | 22 | 2.4 M | 2026-27 |
| Jordan Hawkins G | 24 | 7.0 M | – |
| Jaylin Sellers G | 23 | – | – |
| Noa Essengue F | 19 | 5.7 M | 2028-29 |
| Isaiah Stevens G | 25 | – | – |
The analysis, with data
Strengths
Weaknesses
Today's roster, facet by facet (league rank)
| Offensive ratingpoints per 100 possessions | 113.9 | 23rd |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive ratingpoints allowed per 100 possessions | 118.6 | 22nd |
| Net ratingper 100 possessions | -4.7 | 22nd |
| Pacepossessions per game | 102.6 | 2nd |
| Three-point volumeof its shots are threes | 44.3 % | 8th |
| Three-point accuracyfrom three | 35.6 % | 19th |
| Offensive reboundingof its misses rebounded | 23.1 % | 27th |
| Defensive reboundingof opponent misses rebounded | 75.5 % | 6th |
| Ball securityturnovers per 100 possessions | 14.3 | 20th |
| Ball movementof its baskets are assisted | 67.2 % | 7th |
Expiring this season
Bargains (produce far above their salary, for several years)
Pricey but short (paid more than they produce, but ending soon)
None.
Payroll 164.3 M Cap 165.0 M Tax 200.4 M 1st apron 209.0 M 2nd apron 221.7 M
Who could ask about its players
A trade that works under the CBA
CHI gets
SAS gets
Trade pieces
Your turn
Send us your take: a trade, an extension or the team's direction. The best ones make it onto the podcast.
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Players it sends
First-round picks
Players it sends
First-round picks
Can it be done? The CBA
The GMs' verdict
