The Chicago Bulls have launched a wide-ranging search for their next head of basketball operations — and whoever lands the job will be thrust into one of the franchise’s most consequential decisions in years.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Chicago has begun lining up interviews with multiple candidates across the league, with the process expected to unfold quickly. The Bulls are targeting a hire around the NBA draft combine in mid-May, a timeline that places added urgency on a pivotal offseason.
Bulls Front Office Search Expands With Multiple Candidates
Per Charania, the Bulls have secured permission to interview several respected executives, including Matt Lloyd of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dennis Lindsey of the Detroit Pistons, Bryson Graham of the Atlanta Hawks, Mike Gansey of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dave Telep of the San Antonio Spurs.
Chicago is also expected to speak with Austin Brown, co-head of basketball at CAA, signaling a willingness to explore nontraditional front office pathways.
New Bulls GM Will Face Immediate Lottery Decision
Beyond identifying a new organizational leader, the Bulls’ next executive will immediately step into a high-stakes situation: overseeing the team’s lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Chicago currently holds notable odds in the lottery, underscoring just how critical this hire will be. The Bulls have a 4.5% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick, along with 4.8% odds at No. 2, 5.2% at No. 3 and 5.7% at No. 4.
At the same time, the most likely outcome is to remain at No. 9, with Chicago holding a 50.8% probability. There is also a 25.9% chance the team slides to No. 10 and a smaller 3% chance of dropping to No. 11.
Those projections highlight the uncertainty — and opportunity — awaiting the next front office leader. Whether selecting in the top four or navigating the middle of the lottery, the incoming executive will be tasked with making a foundational roster decision almost immediately upon arrival.
Bulls Reset After Front Office Shakeup
The search comes after the Bulls made sweeping front office changes earlier this month, moving on from executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley after six seasons that produced just one playoff appearance.
Ownership has made clear that stability remains a priority in at least one area: Billy Donovan is expected to remain the team’s head coach.
“If someone’s not sold on Billy, they’re probably not the right candidate for us,” Bulls CEO Michael Reinsdorf said previously, emphasizing alignment between the front office and coaching staff.
Diverse Candidate Pool Reflects Broad Search Strategy
The list of candidates reflects a diverse mix of backgrounds. Lloyd brings deep institutional knowledge, including past experience in Chicago and a role in Minnesota’s rise. Lindsey offers decades of front office leadership, while Graham is known for his scouting acumen.
Gansey has helped guide Cleveland back into contention, and Telep brings extensive experience in player evaluation from his time with San Antonio. Brown represents a growing trend of agents transitioning into front office leadership roles.
Critical Offseason Awaits Chicago Bulls
With the draft and free agency looming, the Bulls are entering a defining stretch. The next head of basketball operations will not only shape roster decisions but also set the long-term direction for the franchise.
The search is underway — and the stakes could not be higher. Chicago’s next executive won’t have time to ease into the role. Instead, they will be immediately tasked with making a decision that could define the franchise’s future for years to come.
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