Somehow, the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA season isn't all that far away. Despite the Chicago Bulls' season ending in April, plenty of action, from the postseason to the draft and free agency, has kept NBA fans entertained.
Currently, fans are getting a glimpse of what's to come as the NBA Summer League is in full swing. Nonetheless, after the enthralling draft and free agency period, not to mention the unofficial trade season, fans are surely seething with excitement to get a glimpse of more than undrafted free agents, rookies, and other youngsters vying for roster spots in the summer league. That's where the preseason comes in—to showcase new and improved rosters around the association.
The Bulls' preseason slate will be an early test of improvement
The Bulls officially unveiled their five-game preseason slate, and it's a doozy. Chicago will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers twice, in a home-and-away series, before hosting the Milwaukee Bucks, then traveling to Denver to battle the Nuggets, and finishing with a bout against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Our preseason schedule is here! 📅 pic.twitter.com/L2Pv8tnFXh
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 15, 2025
All four of Chicago's preseason opponents were playoff teams, with three aforementioned squads advancing beyond the first round.
Cleveland won an Eastern Conference-best 64 contests before being bounced by the eventual Eastern Conference Champion Indiana Pacers in the semifinals. The Cavs will rely on continuity in 2025-26, as Ty Jerome and Isaac Okoro are the only notable departures, with Lonzo Ball being the primary addition.
On the other hand, the Bucks will look drastically different after losing a first-round series against the Pacers. Milwaukee parted with Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez, but made one of the splashiest signings in free agency, poaching Myles Turner from Indiana. Moreover, the Bucks added Cole Anthony and Gary Harris to shore up the backcourt.
After losing to the eventual NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals in a seven-game series, the Nuggets overhauled their reserve unit and parted ways with longtime forward Michael Porter Jr. Denver swapped Porter Jr. with Cameron Johnson. Then, the Nuggets signed Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to minimum contracts. At last, Denver finally added a reserve for superstar center Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets traded seldom-used Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas, who narrowly bolted for Greece.
Chicago's last preseason game will come against Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves, who, like Cleveland, favored continuity. Minnesota will trot out the same imposing starting lineup, but will rely on an emerging youthful tandem, composed of Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr., for ample bench production.
Despite the arduous slate of opponents, the preseason still isn't something to overanalyze. If the Bulls lose all five contests, no big deal, as long as evident strides are made. Conversely, if Chicago wins all five games, be sure not to get carried away with any overzealous narratives, not that there will be one, considering the Bulls are largely disregarded.
Nonetheless, the October exhibition period is a channel for the Bulls to make their presence felt ahead of the regular season. With the Eastern Conference in flux, there's a real opportunity for Chicago to demonstrate a revamped level of competitiveness heading into an unpredictable season.