Bulls begin search for new front office chief

The Chicago Bulls have begun reshaping their front office, receiving permission to interview several candidates for the head of basketball operations role, according to a report from ESPN.

The team is expected to meet this week with a group of executives that includes Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd, Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Atlanta Hawks senior vice president Bryson Graham, Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Mike Gansey, and San Antonio Spurs assistant general manager Dave Telep.

In addition, sources told ESPN that Chicago is also planning to interview Austin Brown, co-head of the basketball division at CAA.

The search follows a significant organizational shift earlier this month. On April 6, the Bulls parted ways with executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley after six seasons, a stretch that produced just one playoff appearance.

Coming off a 31-51 season, Chicago is looking to move quickly. The organization is aiming to have its new lead decision-maker in place before the NBA Draft Combine, scheduled for May 10–17 in Chicago.

While leadership at the top is in flux, the coaching situation appears more stable. Head coach Billy Donovan is expected to remain in his role, supported publicly by team leadership.

Bulls chief executive and president Michael Reinsdorf made that position clear earlier this month, stating: “If I interview someone and they’re not sold on Billy, they’re not sold on a Hall of Fame coach; they’re not sold on a person who’s won championships in college, who’s gone deep in the playoffs with Oklahoma City.”

He added, “… If Billy wants to be our coach and someone’s not interested in that, then they’re probably not the right candidate for us.”

The outcome of the search is expected to shape the Bulls’ next phase as the franchise looks to rebuild after a disappointing season.