Rumors

According to a source, the Bulls and Karnisovas have been more responsive to trade talks than they have been in the past. And while Ball, Vucevic and White are all possibilities to be moved, the name atop Karnisovas’ list to deal entering the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday is Patrick Williams.

Chicago Sun-Times

Joe Cowley: Arturas Karnisovas will not address the media on draft night for the first time since taking that seat. GM Marc Eversley will instead speak. Interesting. AK probably doesn't want to deal with questions about the secret extensions going on. pic.x.com/mG7XX5heZa

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A source told the Sun-Times that Arturas Karnisovas and his front office would have offered anyone and everyone on the roster had they been notified by the Mavericks that Luka Doncic was available in February.

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News reached Bulls players that Karnisovas made the decision to fire director of player development/shooting coach guru Peter Patton after the loss to Miami in Wednesday’s play-in game, leaving a core of current players “beyond pissed,” as one said in a text. “Coach Pete was the real deal … (messed) up,” another player said. Not just smoke coming from the locker room for the wildly popular Patton, but a full fire. Throughout this season, players like Coby White, Patrick Williams, Dalen Terry, Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis all publicly praised the work they put in with Patton and the benefits it had on their game.

Chicago Sun-Times

According to a source, Patton was a guy that also liked to shoot from the hip and speak his mind when asked. The feeling is that while Karnisovas often asks opinions, “They have to fit his,” the source said.

Chicago Sun-Times

Even more concerning, Karnisovas admitted that the roster could look similar next season, with the Bulls hitting financial flexibility in the 2026 offseason. But they refuse to take steps back in the standings — increasing the odds to hit on a high draft pick — despite the 2025 and ’26 classes being loaded, especially at the top. Karnisovas doesn’t seem to have the patience for that or want to go through the pain it takes to sink that low. “I do believe that the way we wanted to build this roster is basically by having players that have experience to kind of shrink the timeline and continuously look for other ways to improve,” Karnisovas said. “I think [coach] Billy [Donovan] spoke about how important it was for this young group to focus on winning and what goes into winning, instead of just rolling the ball out and telling them, ‘Go and develop.’ That’s the path we chose.”

Chicago Sun-Times

The other piece of important business he addressed came when he reiterated that his job was safe. He said the Bulls’ plan to escape from mediocrity is shared by the entire organization, including Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf. “We have a very good relationship with Jerry and Michael,” Karnisovas said. “We take pride, especially in this building, in everybody being on the same page. It’s very hard to accomplish, but that’s how it is in this building between the ownership, front office, coaching staff, performance staff, so they have always been very supportive of my decisions, my thoughts, about this direction.” Then he went into detail about that “direction,” and that’s when it felt like things went off the rails.

Chicago Sun-Times

Joe Cowley: Arturas Karnisovas feels like Coby White and Josh Giddey could continue to be the rising stars they need. He has no plans to explore Denver opening. Says Jerry and Michael have his back.

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KC Johnson: Bulls exec VP Artūras Karnišovas said Patrick Williams "had a tough year" and both Williams and organization had higher expectations. Said Williams now is fully healthy and he's excited to see how forward responds next season.

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KC Johnson: Bulls exec VP Artūras Karnišovas expressed desire to retain Josh Giddey and Coby White long-term. Giddey is RFA. White is extension eligible but has outplayed contract and likely headed to UFA in 2026.

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KC Johnson: Bulls exec VP Artūras Karnišovas: I wouldn't put any limitations on this roster and the way Josh Giddey and Coby White are playing. We're constantly looking for ways to improve.

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KC Johnson: Bulls exec VP Artūras Karnišovas praises Billy Donovan's ability to get buy-in from players regarding offensive philosophy/shot profile change: "He's done an unbelievable job and I have full confidence in Billy."

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Joe Cowley: The Bulls would deny it now, but many in the Advocate Center were down on Giddey the first few months of the season. Credit the work he's put in, but also the way Billy Donovan has coached him on both sides of the ball. Masterful work by Donovan to save AK's "big trade."

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Michael Scotto: Chicago Bulls executive Arturas Karnišovas on extending Lonzo Ball: “The complexity of challenges that Zo faced more than three years ago was truly unprecedented. It wasn’t just his injury but also the complicated rehabilitation plan that followed, which lacked any template for an NBA player. Along with an outstanding team of doctors, trainers and medical staff, Zo embraced adversity and exemplified resilience. His diligence to do what was necessary and his commitment to himself and this team truly speaks to his character. He elevates those around him with his high basketball IQ, relentless defense and hustle, and his unselfish playmaking. We are thrilled to have him back and for him to be a part of our future.”

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