Arturas Karnisovas spoke candidly Thursday about the Chicago Bulls’ progress, offseason strategy, and speculation surrounding his future with another franchise.
The executive vice president of basketball operations reflected on a 39-43 finish, which placed the team ninth in the Eastern Conference and led to an early exit in the Play-In Tournament.
“We’re not where we want to be,” Karnisovas said, “but I think we took the right steps with this group. We’re on the right path.”
Chicago made key moves before and throughout the 2024-25 campaign, including the trades of Alex Caruso and Zach LaVine, to pivot toward a younger core and maintain control of future draft assets.
Karnisovas outlined four organizational goals: shifting the team’s offensive identity, preserving draft capital, acquiring experienced young players, and prioritizing internal development.
“The way we finished the year showed some promise,” he said. “It’s hard to win games in this league. Finishing 15–5 isn’t a victory lap, but there were positives.”
Among the players who impressed late in the year was Josh Giddey, who averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists after the All-Star break.
“Josh fits really well here,” Karnisovas stated. “He found belief in himself, and this group clicked. Coby, Josh, even Matas stepped up. I hope to see him in Chicago for years to come.”
Karnisovas confirmed the Bulls will approach Giddey’s restricted free agency with confidence despite limited cap space around the league.
“I feel really good about Josh and his future here,” he said. “We’ll take it one day at a time.”
Coby White’s future also came up, with Karnisovas indicating that the guard’s emergence gives the front office added confidence.
“His progression every year has been unbelievable,” he said. “After All-Star weekend, he raised his scoring average by six points and was Player of the Month. When the time comes, we’ll talk.”
The Bulls ranked ninth in the East in scoring but allowed the third-most points per game in the conference, a gap Karnisovas acknowledged.
“Defensively, we need to build more of an identity and defend better as a team,” he said. “Yesterday’s game was a good example of missed assignments. That needs to change.”
When asked whether fans should expect meaningful roster upgrades this summer, Karnisovas pointed to all avenues.
“We’re always going to look to improve our roster—whether that’s through the draft, trades, or free agency,” he said. “We’ll keep an eye open all the time.”
He reiterated the organization’s long-term focus, noting that 2026 will provide greater financial flexibility.
Asked directly if the Denver Nuggets had reached out to him following the dismissal of Calvin Booth, Karnisovas dismissed the rumor.
“No,” he said. “I’m in Chicago and focused only on this roster.”
He also emphasized stability within the organization despite outside pressure.
“We have a very good relationship,” Karnisovas said of Bulls ownership. “Everyone in this building takes pride in being on the same page.”
“Our young group needs to focus on improvement and come back to make another jump next year,” Karnisovas said.
