A new era is upon the Windy City. Years of middling records, exuberant overpays, and Play-In Tournament losses are (hopefully) behind the Chicago Bulls. While departing NBA purgatory is easier said than done, the Bulls' recent rash of moves leads us to believe mediocracy is no longer the end goal.
Chicago finally parted ways with numerous veterans, and its oldest player may be on his way out next. Although there's a growing sense of optimism, Vice President of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas must remain the course and continue to lean on the Bulls' youth movement.
The Bulls have reshaped their roster and, notably, reclaimed their 2025 first-round pick in doing so. Thus, the Bulls will be armed with a lottery pick and a mid-second-rounder. Aside from a new draftee, Chicago will bank on an offseason of development from its most recent first-rounder, Matas Buzelis. Moreover, post-All-Star break leading scorer Coby White will get his chance to shine as the Bulls' first option from the get-go.
Of Chicago's foundational three, one player's future is uncertain. That would be Josh Giddey—the former Oklahoma City Thunder guard acquired last offseason in exchange for Alex Caruso. The 6-foot-8 playmaker is a restricted free agent. Although the Bulls can match any offer thrown Giddey's way, his restricted free agency should have the franchise wary. Considering Giddey's upcoming free agency, we've ranked the Bulls' pending free agents from least to most likely to re-sign.
Ranking the Bulls' free agents from least to most likely to return
Talen Horton-Tucker
Late into last offseason, the Bulls signed Chicago native Talen Horton-Tucker to a one-year, non-guaranteed $2 million contract. The 24-year-old appeared in 58 contests and averaged 12.5 minutes per game. Horton-Tucker totaled 6.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.
The sixth-year guard played well in limited action, yet it's unlikely the Bulls will bring him back. Horton-Tucker can put up a bevy of points in a short amount of time, but that microwave scorer skillset is unneeded in Chicago. The Bulls would be better off allocating resources to a perimeter stopper or athletic, 3-and-D wing.
Tre Jones
There are numerous reasons the Bulls should re-sign Tre Jones. The former San Antonio Spur is an excellent reserve floor general, an efficient scorer, and a hard-nosed defender. The 25-year-old averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.1 steals as a Bull.
While Jones could make his way back to Chicago, it's not certain. He just finished up the second season of a two-year, $19 million pact he signed with the Spurs in 2023. It's unlikely Jones will earn upwards of $9 million this offseason, especially after his brother settled for the veteran's minimum a season ago. But if Jones is open to signing a minimum-level deal, the Bulls should bite.
Jevon Carter (Player Option)
Yes, he'll be back. Even though Jevon Carter has hit the hardwood for only 1325 minutes as a Bull, his $6 million player option will assuredly be picked up. After two less-than-stellar seasons in the Windy City, Carter would more than likely have to sign a one-year, veteran's minimum contract to revive his value.
Nevertheless, Carter isn't the most likely to return because of his potential to be bought out in the offseason. From July 1 to August 31, the Bulls can waive Carter, only to pay the rest of his salary ($6.8 million) over the next three seasons. Following August 31, the stretch provision does not apply to a player playing out the last season of his contract.
Josh Giddey
Giddey will, without a doubt, return to the Windy City. The Aussie broke through in the latter half of the year, averaging a near triple-double following the All-Star break. Giddey also drained an impressive 45.7 percent of his three-pointers over that timeframe. The fourth-year pro had his best, most efficient season with the Bulls.
The only reason Giddey won't return is if he, for whatever reason, makes it known he no longer wants to be a Bull, or if Chicago decides against matching an exorbitant offer. Fortunately for the Bulls, they should know what to expect. Only one team can offer Giddey a contract north of $30 million—the going rate for a starting point guard.