The Chicago Bulls aren't wasting any time. Just one week after hiring Bryson Graham as their new executive vice president of basketball operations, the franchise is already making its first front-office moves. And with the NBA draft lottery delivering a major win on Sunday, the Bulls are charging into one of the most critical offseasons in recent memory.
On Tuesday, Graham made his first staffing changes, parting ways with several front-office members, including Josh Malone, who served as general manager of the Windy City Bulls—the team's G League affiliate. This marks the beginning of what promises to be a significant organizational shakeup.
The groundwork for this overhaul was laid earlier this season when President and CEO Michael Reinsdorf fired former executive VP Artūras Karnišovas and removed GM Marc Eversley from the front office. The subsequent departure of head coach Billy Donovan signaled a clean slate for the new regime. However, until now, most of the front office had remained in place.
Senior adviser John Paxson helped lead the search committee that ultimately selected Graham, with support from assistant GMs JJ Polk and Pat Connelly. Graham inherited much of the existing staff but has full authority to make changes where he sees fit. Expect more tweaks in the coming weeks, including potential hires for additional scouts and support roles. It remains unclear whether the Bulls will maintain a traditional general manager position directly under the executive VP or adopt a different structure.
While assembling his ideal front office, Graham also faces the critical task of finding a new head coach. The search begins this week, with the team requesting permission to interview potential candidates. Graham has hinted he may look for an up-and-coming coach rather than a veteran with championship pedigree, which could lead the Bulls to target current assistants from top coaching staffs around the league.
For Bulls fans, this is the start of a new era—one that promises both change and excitement as the franchise looks to build a contender from the ground up.