Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

Josh Giddey believes the Chicago Bulls can compete in the Eastern Conference — but should Bulls fans buy into that confidence yet? 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Josh Giddey’s belief that the Bulls can compete in the East and what that says about the mindset inside the locker room. Chicago has a rebuilt roster featuring Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Patrick Williams, Rob Dillingham, Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, and Zach Collins, but the big question remains: is this team ready to win more games now, or is this still mainly a development season?

The guys also discuss Bulls players meeting for an unofficial minicamp in Miami and why that matters before training camp. Early chemistry, offseason buy-in, player-led workouts, and young-core development could be huge for a team trying to build a new identity under Tiago Splitter and Bryson Graham.

Plus, Haize and Pat tackle a tougher conversation: can Noa Essengue and Dailyn Swain avoid becoming failed draft picks? Both young players have intriguing tools, size, athleticism, defensive upside, and long-term potential — but Bulls fans also know potential alone is not enough. What do Noa and Swain need to show this season to prove they are real parts of Chicago’s future?

Topics Include:
Josh Giddey believing the Bulls can compete in the East
Should Bulls fans believe Giddey’s confidence?
Bulls players holding an unofficial minicamp in Miami
Why offseason chemistry matters for Chicago
Tiago Splitter’s impact on the Bulls’ new culture
Can Noa Essengue avoid the failed draft pick label?
Can Dailyn Swain prove he belongs long-term?
Young player development under Bryson Graham
Bulls training camp storylines
Chicago’s 2026-27 season expectations

The Bulls have more talent, more athleticism, and more energy than they have had in recent years, but now the pressure shifts to development and results. Giddey may believe Chicago can compete, but Noa Essengue, Dailyn Swain, and the rest of the young core have to prove this rebuild is moving in the right direction.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Josh Giddey’s confidence, the Bulls’ Miami minicamp, and whether Noa Essengue and Dailyn Swain can prove they are real pieces of Chicago’s future.

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Did the Chicago Bulls really offer Billy Donovan a front office role, and what does that say about whether ownership is truly committed to change? 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to the idea that the Bulls may have wanted Billy Donovan to remain with the organization in a front office role after his time as head coach. If true, does that show loyalty and respect for Donovan’s basketball mind, or does it raise real questions about whether Bulls ownership is fully ready to move into a new era?

The guys discuss whether the Bulls are truly changing under Bryson Graham and Tiago Splitter, or if the organization is still trying to keep one foot connected to the previous era. For Bulls fans, this is bigger than Billy Donovan. It is about whether ownership is willing to fully trust a new basketball vision, modernize the franchise, and stop operating like a team afraid to fully turn the page.

Haize and Pat also break down the biggest swing skill for Caleb Wilson heading into his rookie season. Wilson has the size, athleticism, defensive tools, passing flashes, and long-term upside to become a major piece for the Bulls, but what one skill could change his entire ceiling? Is it three-point shooting? Physical finishing? Defensive discipline? Ball-handling? Or learning how to create easier offense next to Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Norman Powell, and Nic Claxton?

Plus, the guys dive into the Bulls’ plan to replace Stacey King and what that could mean for the future of the broadcast. Stacey has been one of the most recognizable voices connected to Bulls basketball, so any transition would be a major moment for fans. What kind of voice should Chicago look for next? Should the Bulls prioritize personality, analysis, connection to the city, or someone who can bring a modern broadcast feel?

Topics Include:
Bulls reportedly offering Billy Donovan a front office role
What that says about Bulls ownership
Is Chicago truly committed to change?
Bryson Graham’s new era vs. the previous Bulls regime
Tiago Splitter’s role in reshaping the franchise
Caleb Wilson’s biggest swing skill as a rookie
What Wilson must develop to raise his ceiling
Bulls young core expectations
Chicago’s plan to replace Stacey King
What Bulls fans should want from the next broadcast voice

The Bulls say they are entering a new era, but the real test is whether the organization is willing to fully move differently. From front office decisions to player development to the broadcast booth, Chicago has major choices ahead that could define how serious this reset truly is.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Billy Donovan front office role conversation, Caleb Wilson’s biggest swing skill, and the Bulls’ plan to replace Stacey King.

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Norman Powell is expected to play a major role for the Chicago Bulls in 2026-27, but what is the biggest question he has to answer in his first season with the team? 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down the biggest question surrounding Norman Powell heading into the new season. Can Powell be the reliable veteran scorer and shooter the Bulls badly need? Will he fit cleanly next to Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Nic Claxton? And can he help raise the floor of an offense that still has major questions around three-point shooting and half-court creation?

The guys also react to Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson dominating in a celebrity game and why that moment matters beyond just offseason fun. Bulls fans are looking for signs of chemistry, confidence, personality, and leadership from the young core — and Matas and Caleb continuing to build momentum together gives Chicago another reason to be excited about the future.

Plus, Haize and Pat debate who will be the most important Bulls bench player this season. Is it Tre Jones because of his steady guard play? Rob Dillingham because of his scoring upside? Patrick Williams because he may need to stabilize the second unit? Isaac Okoro because of his defense? Jalen Smith or Zach Collins because of frontcourt depth? Or could Jaylin Sellers, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, or Leonard Miller surprise people?

Topics Include:
Norman Powell’s biggest question for the 2026-27 Bulls
Powell’s scoring, shooting, and veteran leadership role
How Powell fits next to Josh Giddey and the young core
Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson dominating a celebrity game
Why Matas and Caleb’s chemistry matters
Bulls young core confidence entering the season
Who will be the Bulls’ most important bench player?
Tre Jones, Rob Dillingham, Patrick Williams, Isaac Okoro and more
How the Bulls bench can impact the season
Tiago Splitter’s rotation questions before training camp

The Bulls’ starting lineup will get most of the attention, but Powell’s role, the growth of Matas and Caleb, and the strength of the bench could determine whether Chicago beats expectations or gets stuck near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Norman Powell’s biggest question, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson showing out, and who could become the Bulls’ most important bench player this season.

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The Chicago Bulls may still have one more roster decision to make, and Cam Whitmore could be the kind of upside swing that sparks a real debate. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer discuss whether the Bulls should take a shot on Cam Whitmore if the opportunity is there. Chicago has been looking for more bench scoring, athleticism, rim pressure, and young upside, and Whitmore brings the type of explosive scoring profile that could interest Bryson Graham and the Bulls front office.

But is Whitmore the right fit? The guys debate whether Chicago should chase another young scorer or stay focused on developing the pieces already on the roster, including Rob Dillingham, Jaylin Sellers, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Caleb Wilson, and Matas Buzelis.

Haize and Pat also break down what Nic Claxton needs to add to his game during the 2026-27 NBA season. Claxton already gives the Bulls rim protection, mobility, rebounding, vertical spacing, and defensive versatility, but can he become more effective offensively? The guys look at whether Claxton needs more short-roll passing, better finishing through contact, stronger free-throw shooting, improved screening, or a more reliable touch around the basket to raise Chicago’s ceiling.

Plus, the guys discuss who should get the Bulls’ final two-way contract spot. Should Chicago prioritize shooting? Guard depth? Wing defense? Frontcourt insurance? Or should the last two-way go to the highest-upside player available?

Topics Include:

Should the Bulls take a shot on Cam Whitmore?

Cam Whitmore’s fit with Chicago’s young core

Bulls’ need for bench scoring and athleticism

Is Whitmore worth the upside gamble?

What Nic Claxton must add in 2026-27

Claxton’s offensive development and defensive role

How Claxton fits with Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Caleb Wilson

Bulls final two-way contract debate

What skill set Chicago should prioritize

Bryson Graham’s next roster-building decision

The Bulls have improved their roster, but the margins still matter. Whether it is taking a swing on Cam Whitmore, unlocking more from Nic Claxton, or choosing the right final two-way player, Chicago’s next decisions could shape the depth and development of the team heading into training camp.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Cam Whitmore debate, Nic Claxton’s next step, and who deserves the Bulls’ final two-way contract spot.

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The Chicago Bulls are heading into the 2026-27 NBA season with a rebuilt roster, new expectations, and plenty of questions about who will actually define the year. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer make their early season predictions for the new-look Bulls, starting with one major question: who will be the MVP of the Bulls’ season?

Could it be Josh Giddey, if he takes another step as a lead playmaker, scorer, and core piece? Could Matas Buzelis become the most important player if his Year 3 leap arrives? Could Nic Claxton be the answer because of how much Chicago needs his defense, rim protection, rebounding, and identity-setting presence? Or could Norman Powell become the steady veteran scorer who helps the Bulls win more games than expected?

The guys also debate which Bulls player could be the biggest surprise of the season, either in a good or bad way. From Rob Dillingham, Jaylin Sellers, Patrick Williams, Isaac Okoro, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Jalen Smith, Tre Jones, Zach Collins, and more, Chicago has several players who could change the conversation with a breakout year — or disappoint if they fail to find a role.

Plus, Haize and Pat look at which Bulls player may not finish the season on the roster. With trade deadline decisions coming, roster balance questions, bench scoring needs, and Bryson Graham still shaping the team’s long-term vision, someone on this roster could become a trade candidate before the year is over.

Topics Include:

Who will be the Bulls’ MVP in 2026-27?

Josh Giddey’s case as Chicago’s most valuable player

Matas Buzelis’ chance to become the Bulls’ breakout star

Nic Claxton’s defensive impact on the season

Norman Powell’s importance as a veteran scorer

Most surprising Bulls player this season

Good surprises vs. bad surprises on the roster

Which Bulls player could be moved before the season ends?

Trade deadline candidates for Chicago

Bryson Graham’s long-term roster decisions

The Bulls have more talent, more youth, and more flexibility than they have had in recent years — but now the season has to reveal who is actually part of the future. The MVP of the season may not be the highest scorer. The biggest surprise may not be the player fans expect. And the first player moved may tell us exactly how Bryson Graham views this roster.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat make their predictions for the Bulls’ season MVP, biggest surprise, and which player may not finish the year in Chicago.

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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The Chicago Bulls’ offseason search for more scoring and upside took another hit as Jonathan Kuminga chose the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Bulls, Lakers, and Trail Blazers. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down what Kuminga choosing Minnesota means for Chicago and whether the Bulls truly missed out on a major upside swing. Kuminga would have brought athleticism, rim pressure, defensive tools, and another young forward who could fit the timeline with Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, and Nic Claxton. But was he the right fit for what Bryson Graham is building?

The guys also react to the Bulls passing on Bennedict Mathurin, who signs with the New Orleans Pelicans after previous rumors connected him to Chicago. Was Mathurin the bench scorer the Bulls needed? Or did Chicago make the right call by avoiding a deal that may have cost assets, flexibility, or a role for players already on the roster?

That leads into the bigger question: can Bryson Graham still find a true bench scorer before the 2026-27 season begins? The Bulls have improved defensively and added more athleticism, but the second unit still needs shot creation, spacing, and reliable scoring punch. Haize and Pat discuss whether that answer is already on the roster with Rob Dillingham, Jaylin Sellers, Tre Jones, Jalen Smith, Patrick Williams, or whether the Bulls still need to make another move.

Topics Include:

Jonathan Kuminga choosing Minnesota over the Bulls, Lakers, and Blazers

Did the Bulls miss out on Kuminga?

Bennedict Mathurin signing with the Pelicans

Did Chicago pass on the right player?

Bryson Graham’s search for a bench scorer

Bulls’ need for second-unit shot creation

Can Rob Dillingham or Jaylin Sellers fill that role?

How the Bulls’ bench stacks up entering 2026-27

Are the Bulls being patient or too passive?

What move could still be coming before training camp?

The Bulls may not have landed Kuminga or Mathurin, but the need remains the same: Chicago has to find more scoring off the bench if this roster wants to outperform expectations. Now the pressure shifts back to Bryson Graham and whether he can find value without forcing the wrong move.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Jonathan Kuminga choosing the Timberwolves, Bennedict Mathurin landing with the Pelicans, and whether Bryson Graham can still find the bench scorer Chicago needs.

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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The national media hype around Caleb Wilson is starting to rise — but what happens if the Chicago Bulls rookie simply has a normal rookie season? 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down the growing buzz around Caleb Wilson and why Bulls fans may need to balance excitement with realistic expectations. Wilson has the size, skill, athleticism, defensive tools, and long-term upside to be a major piece of Chicago’s future, but rookie development is rarely a straight line.

The guys discuss what a successful rookie season should actually look like for Wilson. Does he need to compete for Rookie of the Year? Does he need to be a day-one star? Or would steady growth, defensive flashes, rebounding, cutting, transition finishing, and learning how to play within Tiago Splitter’s system be enough for year one?

Haize and Pat also dive into what Josh Giddey needs to add to his game during the 2026-27 season. Giddey is viewed as part of the Bulls’ core, but now he has to prove he can raise his ceiling. Can he become a more confident shooter? Can he improve defensively? Can he attack mismatches, finish stronger, and become more of a scoring threat instead of just a passer and rebounder?

Plus, the guys discuss whether Jaylin Sellers is being overlooked as a player who could make a real impact for the Bulls. Sellers may not have the biggest name on the roster, but his scoring instincts, confidence, toughness, and opportunity to earn trust could make him one of the more interesting players to watch entering training camp.

Topics Include:

National media hype rising for Caleb Wilson

What if Caleb Wilson has a normal rookie season?

Realistic rookie expectations for Wilson

Why Bulls fans should balance hype with patience

What Josh Giddey needs to add in 2026-27

Giddey’s shooting, scoring, defense, and leadership questions

Is Jaylin Sellers being overlooked?

Sellers’ path to real Bulls minutes

Tiago Splitter’s role in developing the young core

Bulls 2026-27 roster questions before training camp

The Bulls’ future is exciting, but development still takes time. Caleb Wilson does not have to become a star overnight, Josh Giddey still has clear areas to improve, and Jaylin Sellers may have a bigger opportunity than people realize.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Matas Buzelis’ shot diet, what every Bulls bench player needs to do this season, and why Quincy Pondexter’s G League hire could matter for the future of the franchise.

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Matas Buzelis wants to change his shot diet heading into the 2026-27 NBA season — and that could tell Bulls fans a lot about the next step in his development. 👀🐂 Recent reporting around Buzelis has focused on his desire to cut down on settling for threes and add more physicality, midrange work, and attack-minded scoring to his game.

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down whether Matas taking fewer threes is the right move for his growth. Should Buzelis be attacking the rim more? Getting to the midrange? Using his size to punish mismatches? Or do the Bulls still need him to become a higher-volume three-point threat next to Josh Giddey, Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell, and Nic Claxton?

The guys also go through what each Bulls bench player needs to bring during the 2026-27 season. From Tre Jones’ steady guard play to Rob Dillingham’s shot creation, Isaac Okoro’s defense, Patrick Williams’ consistency, Jalen Smith’s frontcourt impact, Zach Collins’ toughness, Dailyn Swain’s development, Noa Essengue’s growth, Jaylin Sellers’ scoring, and Leonard Miller’s athleticism, every role player has a clear path — but also something major to prove.

Plus, Haize and Pat react to Quincy Pondexter being hired as the new Windy City Bulls head coach and what that means for Chicago’s player development pipeline. Pondexter reportedly left Washington to take over the G League role, giving the Bulls another important voice in developing young talent.

Topics Include:

Matas Buzelis wanting to take fewer threes

Why Matas’ shot diet matters for his Year 3 leap

Should Matas attack the rim and midrange more?

What every Bulls bench player must prove in 2026-27

Tre Jones, Rob Dillingham, Isaac Okoro, Patrick Williams and more

Dailyn Swain and Noa Essengue development expectations

Jaylin Sellers and Leonard Miller fighting for roles

Quincy Pondexter hired as Windy City Bulls head coach

Why the Bulls’ G League development plan matters

Tiago Splitter and Bryson Graham’s player development vision

The Bulls’ starting lineup will get the attention, but the bench and development system may determine how quickly this rebuild actually moves. If Matas takes a smarter offensive leap, the bench finds defined roles, and Pondexter helps turn Windy City into a real development pipeline, Chicago’s future could start looking much stronger.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Matas Buzelis’ shot diet, what every Bulls bench player needs to do this season, and why Quincy Pondexter’s G League hire could matter for the future of the franchise.

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The Chicago Bulls may have had another offseason move lined up — but it reportedly depended on a mystery precursor trade that never got completed. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down the report that the Bulls tried to bring in Sylvain Francisco, but could not finish the move because another trade had to happen first. What does that tell us about Bryson Graham’s offseason approach? Were the Bulls trying to clear a roster spot, move salary, trade a guard, or create more flexibility before adding Francisco?

The guys dive into the biggest question: what was the mystery trade?

Chicago still has roster questions around guard depth, shooting, bench creation, and final rotation balance. If the Bulls were exploring Francisco, that may reveal something about how the front office views the current backcourt mix of Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, Rob Dillingham, Norman Powell, and the rest of the roster. Was this about adding another ball-handler? More pace? More international experience? Or simply creating competition before training camp?

Haize and Pat also discuss Matas Buzelis saying he will not stop trash talking Luka Dončić and why that confidence matters. The Bulls need more edge, personality, and competitive fire from their young core, and Matas continues to show he is not afraid of anyone. But is that just fun offseason confidence, or another sign that Buzelis is ready to take a bigger leadership role in Chicago?

Topics Include:

Bulls reportedly tried to bring in Sylvain Francisco

Why the deal could not be completed

What was the mystery precursor trade?

What the rumor says about Bulls roster plans

Bryson Graham’s offseason decision-making

Bulls guard depth and bench creation questions

Could Chicago still look for another backcourt piece?

Matas Buzelis says he will keep trash talking Luka Dončić

Why Matas’ confidence matters for the Bulls

Bulls young core identity heading into 2026-27

The Bulls may not have completed the Francisco move, but the failed pursuit raises bigger questions about what Chicago was trying to do behind the scenes. And while the front office keeps working, Matas Buzelis is making it clear he is bringing confidence, edge, and attitude into the new season.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Bulls’ failed Sylvain Francisco pursuit, the mystery trade that may have stopped it, and Matas Buzelis refusing to back down from Luka Dončić.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down whether the Bulls’ defense can save their shooting problem and what Tiago Splitter must build in year one.

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Chicago Bulls may have a chance to take advantage of another team’s financial pressure — but should they actually help the Denver Nuggets get out of a second-apron problem? 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer debate whether the Bulls should consider taking on one of Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, or Christian Braun if Denver needs financial relief. Would one of those players give Chicago a real upgrade, or would the Bulls be helping another team without getting enough long-term value back?

The guys break down each possible fit. Aaron Gordon would bring size, defense, toughness, and playoff experience, but does he fit the Bulls’ timeline? Cam Johnson would answer Chicago’s shooting concerns immediately, but what would the cost be? Christian Braun fits the younger, athletic wing profile, but is he enough of an upside swing for Bryson Graham to use assets or financial flexibility?

Haize and Pat also look at where the Bulls rank in a suddenly deeper Eastern Conference. With teams across the East improving, can Chicago realistically climb into the Play-In conversation, or are the Bulls still closer to the bottom than fans want to admit? The discussion centers on how Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell, Nic Claxton, Tiago Splitter, and the rest of the roster stack up against the East.

Plus, the guys react to CBS Sports ranking the Bulls front office 23rd in the NBA. Is that a fair ranking for a front office still early in the Bryson Graham era? Or should the Bulls get more credit for resetting direction, adding young talent, and creating a clearer developmental plan?

Topics Include:

Should the Bulls help Denver escape the second apron?

Aaron Gordon as a possible Bulls trade target

Cam Johnson’s shooting fit in Chicago

Christian Braun as a young wing option

What Bryson Graham should demand in any Denver deal

Where the Bulls rank in the deeper Eastern Conference

Can Chicago compete for a Play-In spot?

CBS Sports ranking Bulls front office 23rd

Is the front office criticism fair or premature?

Bulls offseason outlook before training camp

The Bulls are not expected to make a major move, but Denver’s financial situation could create an opportunity. The question is whether Chicago should use its flexibility to chase a real roster upgrade — or avoid helping a contender unless the return is too good to pass up.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Denver trade possibilities, the Bulls’ place in the new-look Eastern Conference, and whether CBS Sports is right to rank Chicago’s front office 23rd.

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