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.