The Chicago Bulls have been anything but idle as the NBA offseason edges closer to training camp, with a flurry of moves that may not have made national headlines but have certainly reshaped the team’s roster and direction. From high-profile contract signings to calculated trades and developmental signings, Chicago’s front office, led by president Arturas Karnisovas, has been busy laying the groundwork for the 2025-26 campaign. With all 21 roster spots filled heading into camp, Bulls fans are left to ponder whether these strategic moves will be enough to spark a resurgence or simply maintain the franchise’s status quo.
On September 10, 2025, the Bulls added another piece to their puzzle, signing free agent combo forward Mouhamadou Gueye to an Exhibit 10 training camp deal. While this signing doesn’t carry the weight of a blockbuster acquisition, it’s a move that reflects Chicago’s ongoing commitment to unearthing hidden gems and shoring up their depth. Gueye, a 6-foot-9 forward who went undrafted out of Pittsburgh in 2022, has bounced around the NBA’s G League, suiting up for the Texas Legends (Dallas Mavericks’ affiliate), Raptors 905 (Toronto Raptors’ affiliate), and most recently, the Capital City Go-Go (Washington Wizards’ affiliate). During his 11-game stint with the Raptors in the 2023-24 NBA season, Gueye averaged 2.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and an impressive 1.6 blocks per game—a stat line that hints at his defensive potential, even if his offensive game remains a work in progress.
Gueye’s deal is an Exhibit 10 contract, which gives him a shot at making the regular season roster or, if cut, the opportunity to earn a bonus of up to $85,300 should he spend 60 days with the Bulls’ G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. It’s a classic low-risk, high-reward move, and with Chicago’s two-way slots already filled by Lachlan Olbrich, Emanuel Miller, and Yuki Kawamura, Gueye will need to impress in camp to carve out a spot. As Keith Smith of Spotrac noted, "Gueye joins guards Caleb Grill and Wooga Poplar on these training camp deals," highlighting the competitive nature of Chicago’s preseason roster.
But Gueye’s arrival is only the latest in a series of calculated offseason moves by the Bulls. The team’s biggest splash came in the form of a four-year, $100 million contract extension for point guard Josh Giddey—a deal that, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, makes Giddey the highest paid player on the roster through the 2028-29 season. Giddey, just 22 years old, was acquired last summer in a trade that sent defensive stalwart Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In his first season with Chicago, Giddey put up career-best numbers: 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Over his four-year NBA career spanning 280 games, he’s averaged just over 14 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per contest—a testament to his all-around game and versatility at the point guard position.
The financials of Giddey’s new deal, as reported by Bobby Marks of ESPN, are considered a "fairly reasonable portion of the Bulls’ salary cap over the balance of the deal." The contract represents a compromise between Giddey’s camp, which sought a $30 million annual value, and the Bulls, who aimed for $20 million per year. Ultimately, the two sides settled in the middle, with Giddey’s $25 million average annual salary reflecting both his current production and future potential. The hope in Chicago is that Giddey’s playmaking, size, and leadership will anchor the Bulls’ backcourt for years to come.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have also been active in reshaping the rest of their roster. Earlier in the offseason, Chicago re-signed reserve point guard Tre Jones to a three-year, $24 million deal—a move that provides stability and depth at the guard position. The Bulls also made a notable trade, sending former backup point guard Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for small forward Isaac Okoro. This deal, however, has drawn scrutiny and sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
According to a September 9, 2025 analysis, the Bulls reportedly had offers on the table from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons that included first-round picks for Ball. Instead, Chicago opted for Okoro, receiving no draft picks in the process. The consensus is that the Bulls may have missed out on greater value, with the deal described as "the umpteenth example of Chicago getting less value back in a deal than they could have."
Okoro, who was once an All-Rookie selection in 2020-21 after averaging 9.6 points and 3.1 rebounds in 32.4 minutes per game, has seen his role and production diminish in recent seasons. His 2024-25 campaign with the Cavaliers was considered underwhelming, ultimately leading to his trade. Bulls fans now hope that a change of scenery will help Okoro recapture the promise he showed as a rookie. The pressure is on both Okoro and the Bulls’ coaching staff to unlock his potential, as the trade will be judged by his ability to contribute meaningfully in Chicago.
The Bulls’ approach to team-building this summer has been characterized by measured, strategic moves rather than headline-grabbing splashes. In the 2025 NBA Draft, Chicago selected forward Noah Essengue with the No. 12 pick and center Lachlan Olbrich with the No. 55 pick, adding youthful energy and upside to the roster. The team has also filled all 21 available roster spots ahead of training camp, maximizing their flexibility and depth as they prepare for the preseason.
As the Bulls gear up for the start of training camp in mid-September, all eyes are on how these new additions and returning players will mesh. The preseason opener, scheduled for October 7 against Lonzo Ball and the Cavaliers, promises to be an early litmus test for Chicago’s revamped roster. With so many fresh faces and lingering questions—especially surrounding the value of the Ball-Okoro trade and the impact of Giddey’s new contract—the Bulls are entering a pivotal season that could define the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
For now, the mood in Chicago is one of cautious optimism. The front office has made its moves, the roster is set, and the players are ready to battle for their spots. Whether these offseason decisions pay off remains to be seen—but with training camp just around the corner, the answers will soon begin to unfold on the hardwood.
