The Chicago Bulls have already had a busy offseason, and we’re still nearly a month out from the 2026 NBA Draft. But the rumor mill is about to spin faster now that the Cavaliers' playoff humiliation is over and a roster purge of some kind is likely coming to Cleveland.
The Cavs' disappointing postseason run officially ended with a 130-93 loss to the New York Knicks (that somehow felt even more lopsided) on May 25, but the writing has been on the wall for weeks.
Now, an offseason of inevitable gossip is about to envelop Cleveland, with the futures of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and others in doubt. And the Bulls will find themselves caught in the crosshairs.
Changes are coming in Cleveland after Cavaliers playoff disappointment
Things are going to look different in The Land next year, especially after the Cavs led by 22 points with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter before blowing Game 1 and concluding their season losing by 37 points at home.
President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman made a somewhat all-in move in trading Darius Garland to LA in exchange for James Harden. Unsurprisingly, Harden faltered and disappeared in the playoffs.
The 36-year-old is expected to decline his player option and sign a long-term deal this summer.
Mitchell’s future in Cleveland is always in question, though the seven-time All-Star continues to state his desire to stay with the Cavs.Â
Allen has been an attractive trade chip for years, given his relatively cheap contract and status as one of the NBA’s best defensive anchors and rim runners.Â
Mobley, a 24-year-old with a Defensive Player of the Year Award under his belt already, seems like a franchise cornerstone. But even he isn’t untouchable.
Bulls should approach Cavs with interest in Mitchell, Allen, Mobley
Chicago’s new executive VP of basketball operations, Bryson Graham, has a sound strategy — wisely use draft assets and cap space to acquire young talent and then patiently develop it.
But there are always exceptions.
Mobley is one of the league's top defenders and is just 24. He and Matas Buzlies would form an intriguing two-way duo. And perhaps most importantly, he would fit the Bulls’ timeline.
Allen is 28, but as an athletic and low-usage presence on the back line, he would aid in the development of Buzelis and whoever Graham acquires in this year’s draft.
Mitchell doesn’t make sense for Chicago at the moment, but teams should never close the door on a top-20 player.
Whether any of these moves happen or not, the Bulls are bound to be — and absolutely should be — included in any Cavaliers-related rumors for the next four months.
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