Chicago has cut guard Ayo Dosunmu and forward Jaden Phillips to address a glaring lack of size, freeing cap space and opening minutes for emerging players. The front office now seeks a true big man to improve rebounding and interior defense, a move that could revive the Bulls’ playoff chances before the trade deadline.
What Triggered the Roster Change
The Bulls’ recent transaction list shows a flurry of moves: waivers, two‑way contracts, and the trade of Dosunmu and Phillips to Minnesota. Both players struggled for consistent minutes in a crowded guard rotation, prompting Vice President of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnisovas to act quickly and rebalance the roster.
Roster Imbalance and Its Effects
Over the past two seasons Chicago built a backcourt‑heavy lineup, ending the 2024‑25 campaign with a low‑seed playoff berth but then adding more guards while shedding big men. The result was a 15‑player roster with eight guards, three swingmen, and only four true forwards or centers.
Early‑season statistics highlighted the problem:
- Average points in the paint: 31.2 (league average 38.5)
- Opponents’ offensive rebounds per game: 45.1 (28th in the league)
- Three‑point attempts per game: ranked third league‑wide
Injuries to center Alex Miller and power forward Zach Kelley further exposed the shortage of interior depth, especially during a demanding stretch of back‑to‑back games against physical teams.
Implications for the Bulls
Immediate On‑Court Impact
Removing Dosunmu and Phillips reduces wing depth but creates playing time for guard Zach Lopez and rookie point guard Jalen Murray, both showing promising playmaking. The trade also frees approximately $4.2 million in salary cap space, giving the front office flexibility for free‑agent signings or a mid‑season trade.
Strategic Outlook
Chicago’s next priority is acquiring a stretch‑four or defensive anchor to bolster rebounding and rim protection. With roughly $12 million of cap flexibility remaining, the Bulls are well positioned to target veteran big men or high‑upside prospects before the deadline.
Long‑Term Rebuilding Narrative
The roster purge signals a shift away from a guard‑first philosophy. While the backcourt remains a strength, the front office appears ready to build a more versatile, two‑way roster that can compete against the physically demanding Eastern Conference teams.
Scout Perspective
“When a roster is 50 % guard, you’re essentially playing small‑ball by default,” veteran scout Mike Rogers explains. “Chicago needs a real big man—someone who can protect the rim, crash the boards, and stretch the floor. The modest cap space they’ve created could bring in a veteran like Jonas Valanciunas or a younger prospect from a trade partner.”
Rogers adds that coach Billy Donovan must adapt his offensive sets to incorporate a post presence, emphasizing more pick‑and‑roll actions and high‑post looks for shooters while maintaining perimeter coverage.
Looking Ahead
The Bulls’ overhaul is still in its early stages, but the message is clear: size and interior strength are now top priorities. With the trade deadline approaching and a tough schedule ahead, securing a front‑court anchor could transform Chicago from a backcourt‑heavy squad into a balanced contender capable of a deeper playoff run.
