The Chicago Bulls finished the 2024-25 season at 39-43, sneaking into the Play-In Tournament only to see their playoff dreams crushed by the Miami Heat. Fans expected the front office to make bold moves. Instead, Chicago chose to play it safe, which is already drawing criticism.
Why Did the Bulls Earn Such a Poor Offseason Grade?
According to the latest offseason analysis by PFSN, the Bulls received a ‘C’ grade, one of the most disappointing evaluations of any team this summer.
Chicago’s most notable additions this offseason have been modest at best. The team acquired Isaac Okoro from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Lonzo Ball, which hardly moves the needle for a franchise desperately needing a spark.
Cleveland Cavaliers receive:
Lonzo BallChicago Bulls receive:
Isaac OkoroWho won the trade?
(Via @ShamsCharania ) pic.twitter.com/RlJ8QTrUvY
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 28, 2025
More intriguing is the addition of Noa Essengue from the 2025 NBA Draft. During his second year with Ratiopharm Ulm in the 2024-25 season, he averaged 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game across 18 EuroCup games.
Essengue shot an efficient 56% from the field, though his three-point shooting struggled at 29.4%. For Chicago, which drafted him 12th overall in 2025, Essengue’s defensive versatility makes him a valuable asset. The rookie shows potential for guarding multiple positions and thriving in transition with elite rim-running and finishing ability.
However, his raw offensive game presents challenges. His unreliable jumper and lack of shot creation against set defenses will limit his immediate impact on a team that needs contributors now.
Yuki Kawamura lob to Noa Essengue 👀 pic.twitter.com/ESEEeYo5po
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 6, 2025
“The Bulls selected high-upside forward Noa Essengue with the 12th pick in the draft, but he’s far from a flawless prospect. The front office has seemingly taken a cautious approach this offseason rather than taking bigger swings to reshape the franchise’s trajectory,” wrote PFSN’s Brandon Austin in his report.
What Makes the Josh Giddey Situation So Complicated?
The Bulls’ cautious approach becomes most evident in their ongoing contract discussions with restricted free agent Josh Giddey, who seeks a deal around $30 million annually.
Giddey was acquired last June in a trade that sent veteran defender Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists across 70 games in the 2024-25 season. While Giddey produces solid numbers, his limited defensive ability and lack of elite scoring have cast doubts over his ceiling as a top-tier playmaker.
With Giddey reportedly seeking that money, the Bulls front office remains hesitant. Past mistakes involving overpaying non-star players seem to have made Chicago more careful in negotiations, but that caution comes with risks.
“The Chicago Bulls’ contract talks with restricted free agent Josh Giddey are ongoing,” Austin said. “After years of quickly overpaying for players like Nikola Vučević and Patrick Williams, the front office is now holding firm and not rushing to match unrealistic salary demands for Giddey, whose leverage remains limited. However, given his value to the current roster, the Bulls are expected to work out a deal to keep Giddey.”
Playing it too safe, though, carries its dangers. In a competitive Eastern Conference where teams are making aggressive moves, stagnation often leads to irrelevance, and Bulls fans have seen enough of both.
