Bulls Build Around Caleb Wilson With Veteran Support

After finishing 31-51 and missing the playoffs in 2025-26, the Chicago Bulls are restructuring their roster for the 2026-27 NBA season around Caleb Wilson. The franchise has combined young prospects with experienced players, retained Josh Giddey, and appointed Tiago Splitter as head coach as it pursues a new direction.

According to Fantasy Alarm, Chicago selected Wilson fourth overall and Dailyn Swain 15th in the 2026 NBA Draft. Wilson is expected to start at power forward, while Swain is projected to compete for rotation minutes as the organization develops its younger talent.

The roster overhaul also brought changes to basketball operations, with Bryson Graham taking charge of the department. Fantasy Alarm reported that Chicago traded Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Nikola Vucevic during the February trade period before using its available salary-cap space to add Nic Claxton and Norman Powell.

Powell is expected to start at shooting guard after averaging 21.7 points per game across 58 appearances with Miami during the previous season, according to Fantasy Alarm. The 33-year-old is among the experienced contributors Chicago has added to support its developing core.

Claxton also joined the Bulls through a trade. Fantasy Alarm reported that he averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, along with 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting 57 percent.

Giddey remains another central piece of Chicago's plans. According to Fantasy Alarm, the guard signed a four-year, $100 million extension after averaging 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.1 assists in 54 games last season. He underwent ankle surgery in May.

The Bulls' strategy reflects a broader shift in NBA roster construction following new anti-tanking rules approved by the NBA Board of Governors in May 2026, according to Pippen Ain't Easy. The changes encouraged rebuilding teams to move away from strategies centered on losing games to improve their draft position.

Other franchises have also added established players during their rebuilding efforts. Pippen Ain't Easy reported that Memphis acquired Jerami Grant, while Washington brought in Khris Middleton.

Chicago has followed a similar approach by adding 33-year-old Powell and 33-year-old Buddy Hield. According to Pippen Ain't Easy, the veterans are expected to provide shooting and locker-room experience while helping maintain competitiveness as the younger roster develops.

Mavs Moneyball described the Bulls' offseason moves as a clearer direction for a franchise that had spent recent years near the playoff threshold. The outlet identified Wilson, Matas Buzelis, and Swain as key members of the team's next phase.