Josh Giddey signed four years, $100 million with the Chicago Bulls, a mid-point reached after a lengthy negotiation. The deal gives Chicago a ball-dominant playmaker whose raw totals look strong, but questions linger about efficiency, off-ball shooting, and defense. The move tightens the Bulls’ payroll with unclear spacing implications, inviting scrutiny of how the rest of the roster—Vučević, Williams, White—will complement him. The result feels like a calculated risk that may only edge Chicago toward play-in lethargy rather than a true upgrade.

Chicago’s plan around Giddey highlights a wider roster puzzle: can the Bulls assemble reliable spacing and scoring around a high-usage guard and still maximize floor balance? With White not extended, Vučević still on the roster, and Williams at roughly $18 million, the team’s direction looks murky, draft strategy appears limited, and the potential ceiling remains uncertain.

Overall, the deal signals risk over immediate uplift. Without a bold, coherent plan to maximize Giddey’s strengths and mitigate his weaknesses, Chicago risks stagnation rather than a meaningful leap forward.

Bulls' 2025-26 hinges on Patrick Williams' upside, but Okoro's arrival adds a defensive hedge and could siphon Williams' minutes if he doesn't prove offensive consistency.

Lonzo Ball's exit to Cleveland opens guard-rotation questions; Okoro's progress could lift Chicago's defense while Williams' development would boost his trade value. Nikola Vucevic remains central, with the front office weighing lineup tweaks to keep a fast, defense-first edge.

The mix is kaleidoscopic: Williams' five-year, $90M deal, Okoro's 3-and-D floor, and a repositioned guard core all shape Williams' fantasy ceiling and Chicago's long-term pivot.

The Bulls eye Isaiah Hartenstein as Nikola Vucevic’s potential replacement, betting on defense, rim protection and playmaking to suit Billy Donovan’s uptempo style. Vucevic’s expiring $21.5 million deal and steady production come with defensive gaps Chicago may not want long-term. Hartenstein’s size, mobility and passing could fit Chicago’s future.

Hartenstein, 7 feet, posted 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists last season, plus strong defense. His $28.5 million club option for 2026-27 and OKC’s evolving roster with Holmgren could influence availability. A Bulls pursuit would hinge on cost and fit, signaling a shift toward defense and flexibility over pure scoring punch.

The move would require Chicago to shore up perimeter defense and shooting to maximize Hartenstein’s value, aligning the frontcourt with a faster, more switchable roster.

EuroBasket 2025 kicks off Aug 27 and runs through Sept 14, spotlighting Jokic-led Serbia, skin-on-fire Doncic as Slovenia eyes glory, and Giannis steering Greece. Porzingis, Sengun, Markkanen and Wagner are among NBA stars carrying heavy fantasy weight as Europe hosts group play in Cyprus, Finland, Latvia and Poland. 18 NBA teams feature players, and the tournament doubles as a high-variance mini-stage for fantasy managers chasing breakout performances and late-season form.

Key names to watch include Jokic's playmaking surge for Serbia, Doncic's elite athleticism return after knee concerns, Porzingis' 3-point floor-spreading impact, Sengun's breakout potential as Houston's hub, and Markkanen's rejuvenated efficiency. Franz Wagner and Deni Avdija offer versatile wings for Germany and Israel, while Vucevic, Aldama and Middleton provide veteran floor presence and potential value upside as the field narrows toward knockout rounds.