Overview

• Karnisovas reiterated that the Bulls “won’t skip steps,” framing 2025–26 as a growth year with internal development as the priority.
• Chicago’s quiet offseason featured drafting Noa Essengue at No. 12, trading Lonzo Ball to Cleveland for Isaac Okoro, and re-signing Josh Giddey to a four-year extension.
• The roster returns largely intact after a second straight 39-43 finish and a third consecutive play-in defeat to Miami.
• Key players Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Nikola Vučević are on expiring contracts, positioning this season as an evaluation window for the front office.
• Coby White will be limited to start camp after an August calf strain and Ayo Dosunmu is coming off shoulder surgery, as the team notes an opportunity in a reshuffled East but keeps focus on development.