Step 6: Compete, but keep that 2025 pick
The 2025 NBA Draft is far deeper than this one, so the Bulls goal should be to compete next season, but to keep their top-10 protected pick, which will be a real asset whether they use it or trade it.
The Bulls may have to take a step back for one season, land a high-ceiling draft pick and then add to their roster with cap space after Ball’s contact clears and the Bulls suddenly have a clean slate around Coby White, young center, 2024 pick, 2025 pick, Williams and Caruso with plenty of cap space to improve with a much deeper free agent class.
It’s not easy to rebuild, as you have to sell your fans on hope, which is why I don’t expect the Chicago Bulls to do it, but one season of being bad could be the key to being stuck in the middle forever.