The Chicago Bulls' search for a new top executive is heating up, and a familiar face is emerging as the clear front-runner. Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd, a lifelong Bulls fan and former team employee, is reportedly the favorite to take over the reins in the Windy City.
Lloyd is juggling quite the balancing act. As he prepares his Timberwolves for a second-round NBA playoff showdown against the San Antonio Spurs, he's also keeping a close watch on the Bulls' front office vacancy. According to league sources cited by the Chicago Tribune's Bulls beat writer Julia Poe, Lloyd remains a "strong front-runner" in a candidate pool that also includes Atlanta Hawks vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham.
If Lloyd lands the job, it would be a full-circle moment for the Fenton High School graduate. His NBA journey began humbly on Chicago's West Side in 1994 with a part-time gig in the Bulls' video department. As The Athletic reports, he was such a devoted fan that he used to call his grandmother during Michael Jordan's player introductions just so she could hear the roar of the United Center crowd.
Of course, today's Bulls are a far cry from the championship dynasty of the 1990s. The franchise hasn't tasted glory in nearly three decades, and that's precisely why they're seeking someone with Lloyd's pedigree to lead a revival. His track record speaks for itself—he was instrumental in the decision to draft Jimmy Butler with the 30th pick in 2011, widely considered one of the best "sleeper" picks in franchise history.
Lloyd's career trajectory got a major boost thanks to former Bulls star and executive John Paxson. When Paxson replaced Jerry Krause as general manager in 2003, he took a chance on Lloyd, promoting him from media services coordinator to director of college scouting. It was a gamble that paid off handsomely. Now, Paxson—currently serving as senior advisor of basketball operations—is working alongside team president Michael Reinsdorf in the search process. Interviewing someone he helped mentor should make for smooth sailing.
With Lloyd's deep roots in the organization and his proven eye for talent, this homecoming could be exactly what the Bulls need to write their next chapter. For fans longing for the glory days, the pieces might finally be falling into place.