The Bulls reportedly received offers of as many as two first-round picks for Alex Caruso before the 2024 trade deadline, sources confirmed to Jamal Collier of ESPN.
Despite these offers, the Bulls chose a different path, ultimately deciding to trade Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder over the summer in a one-for-one deal, exchanging him for fourth-year point guard Josh Giddey.
This move sparked some external criticism, as some fans and analysts questioned the decision to pass up on future draft capital in favor of a single player.
As Collier outlines, the Bulls’ front office prioritized securing a proven NBA talent over speculative future assets. They aimed to avoid a drastic roster overhaul, which could lead to years of rebuilding.
Instead, they saw Giddey as a crucial component of a reimagined lineup, one designed to play with greater speed and offensive versatility.
Bulls general manager Marc Eversley spoke to this vision, describing Giddey as a natural fit for their up-tempo system, stating, “(Giddey) plays exactly how we want to play.”
Entering Friday’s game, the Bulls’ new approach has been evident in their play. They now lead the league in pace, averaging 105.22 possessions per game, a dramatic increase from previous seasons.
Additionally, they have significantly ramped up their focus on three-point shooting, taking 42.2 attempts per game, placing them third in the NBA.
This shift is particularly notable when compared to the 2023/24 season, when the Bulls ranked 26th in three-point attempts, averaging only 32.1 per game.
Head coach Billy Donovan has been vocal about the importance of speed in the team’s new system. Last month, he reminded his players that the team’s success hinges on their ability to push the tempo.
“If we don’t run, we’re done,” Donovan told the team. “It’s that simple. If we run, we’ll have some fun.”
This shift in philosophy reflects the Bulls’ commitment to a faster, more dynamic style of play, one that they hope will keep them competitive and allow them to maximize Giddey’s skill set.
Bulls Notes: Giddey, Roster, LaVine, Vucevic https://t.co/CEzb4HjLV2 pic.twitter.com/b6ppUQJGGS
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 9, 2024
