The Bulls lean on Josh Giddey and Coby White as the offense’s new backbone, two guards under 26 who could become the franchise’s core. Giddey’s playmaking pairs with White’s off-ball scoring as Chicago aims for a faster, more versatile attack with a guard-led blueprint. His four-year, $100M deal cements him as a cornerstone and signals faith in their long-term device.

Last season’s late surge after Zach LaVine’s trade showed their potential, with 1,262 minutes together and growing chemistry as pace accelerated. Donovan lauds their communication and accountability, while White expands off-ball duties and Giddey remains the primary facilitator, as Chicago pursues sustained growth and a sturdier defensive spine.

Quentin Grimes signs a one-year, $8.7M qualifying offer to return to the Philadelphia 76ers, keeping him in the mix for restricted-free-agent leverage next summer. After a deadline-day swap from Dallas that sent Caleb Martin and a 2025 second-round pick to land Grimes, his per-game numbers in 28 appearances—21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists—signal a higher ceiling if usage grows. Around the league, Cam Thomas accepted a one-year, $6M qualifying offer with Brooklyn; Kuminga took a short-term deal with Golden State; Giddey inked a sizeable extension with Chicago; the Sixers open 2025-26 vs. Boston on Oct. 22.

Chicago pulls off a defensive pivot by acquiring Isaac Okoro from Cleveland, betting that his physical, multi-positional perimeter defense can catalyze a cultural reset. Okoro vows to guard the toughest assignments and lead with effort, while Billy Donovan weighs starting options as the Bulls push to maximize defensive energy. The move comes as Chicago emphasizes a faster, more relentless pace, with Okoro’s leadership seeding a contagious hustle throughout training camp.

Okoro’s arrival isn’t just about one player; it signals a broader shift in the Bulls’ roster dynamics. Young talents like Matas Buzelis are watching closely as Okoro models the gritty, team-first mindset the team seeks. The conversation around roles, rotations, and defensive identity could define Chicago’s fantasy upside this season, especially for managers seeking a true hustle-based floor.

Buzelis stole Bulls media day with candor and swagger, framing growth as a team pursuit and vowing to chase Most Improved Player. His confidence, paired with an energized locker room, signals Chicago’s push toward a youth-led rebuild while the front office doubles down on internal development and patience.

Chicago’s veterans—White, Dosunmu, Vucevic—provide stability as the franchise leans into its young core. Front office logic centers on development and draft leverage, with a reminder of last season’s play-in stumble. The mood: win first, grow together, and let the sea of potential try to translate into wins when the season opens against a Heat reminder of past bumps.

Sleepers outside the top 100 picks could redefine drafts this season. Porter Jr. projects heavy Bucks usage; Edey and Eason should push for meaningful minutes as teams lean on youth; Ivey and Buzelis carry multi-cat upside in pivotal seasons. Pritchard, Avdija and Nembhard add shooting, efficiency and playmaking while Giddey’s post‑All‑Star run hints at continued upside. The value ladder is dense and dynamic.

Pritchard, Avdija and Nembhard offer floor + upside; Giddey’s late surge is a reminder of ceiling. Reed Sheppard, Cam Camara, Scotty Pippen Jr., Whitmore and Morant’s Grizzlies cohort shape a rich late-round tapestry. Toumani Camara and Jaden Ivey anchor defensively and offensively, while Matas Buzelis blends 3-and-D upside with block potential.