The Chicago Bulls are undergoing what seems to be a rebuild next season by letting their best player, DeMar DeRozan, walk in free agency as he signed a $74 million deal with the Sacramento Kings. The Bulls also traded All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso for youngster Josh Giddey who will likely start alongside Most Improved Player runner-up Coby White, while some veterans including Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are still on the roster with the hopes of making an impact in the Eastern Conference. Here is the breakdown of the Chicago Bulls roster in 2024-25.
Tier 1: Superstars
None
Tier 2: All-Stars
None
Tier 3: Fringe All-Stars
Zach LaVine, Coby White, Nikola Vucevic
Zach LaVine remains the Bulls’ top-scoring option, capable of exploding for big numbers on any given night. Last season, he only averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game on 34.9% shooting from deep but he was hampered by injuries and trade rumors. While he didn’t make the All-Star team last year as he only appeared in 25 games, LaVine’s scoring prowess and athleticism keep him on the fringe of All-Star consideration when he is at his best, making him a vital part of Chicago’s offensive identity. If the Bulls decide to keep him, LaVine will be their best player in the 2024-25 campaign.
Coby White took a significant leap last season, finishing as the runner-up for Most Improved Player. Averaging 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, White has developed into a reliable scoring guard and playmaker. His growth as a floor general has solidified his place in the Bulls’ starting lineup, making him a key piece of their rebuild. At only 24 years old, White can form a nice partnership in the backcourt with Josh Giddey because he is a strong shooter who drained 37.9% from deep last season.
Nikola Vucevic continues to be a dependable presence in the paint for the Bulls, providing solid scoring and rebounding. Last season, he averaged 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, offering consistent production as the team’s primary big man. Although he’s no longer in his prime, Vucevic’s skill set makes him a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor and it will be interesting to see if the Bulls decide to keep the big man for the entire season since he is under contract until 2025-26.
Tier 4: Key Role Players
Lonzo Ball, Patrick Williams, Josh Giddey, Ayo Dosumnu, Jalen Smith, Matas Buzelis
Lonzo Ball’s return from injury is a major storyline for the Bulls, as his playmaking, defense, and basketball IQ are crucial to their success. Though health has been a concern, when on the court, Ball provides excellent perimeter defense, averaging 1.8 steals per game before his injury ended two straight seasons, and can stretch the floor with his improved three-point shooting (42.3%). His presence will be key in helping to lead this young Bulls team.
Patrick Williams continues to show flashes of his potential as a versatile forward with elite defensive skills. Last season, he averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player. Williams’ development on offense, particularly in creating his own shot, will be vital as the Bulls look for more consistency from their young core.
Acquired in a trade for Alex Caruso, Josh Giddey brings playmaking and versatility to the Bulls’ backcourt. Giddey averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game last season, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His ability to facilitate and create for others will be a major asset for the Bulls, especially alongside Coby White.
Ayo Dosunmu has established himself as a solid contributor for the Bulls, known for his defense, energy, and ability to attack the rim. Last season, he averaged 12.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, often serving as a key defensive stopper in the backcourt. Dosunmu’s relentless hustle and improving shooting make him a valuable rotational player for the Bulls.
Jalen Smith provides the Bulls with much-needed size and energy off the bench. Last season, he averaged 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, proving himself as a capable rebounder and interior scorer. Smith’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and protect the rim defensively adds valuable depth to the Bulls’ frontcourt.
Rookie Matas Buzelis, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, comes into the league with high expectations, bringing a blend of size, skill, and shooting to the Bulls. Standing at 6’10”, Buzelis has the versatility to play multiple positions and the potential to be a matchup nightmare for opponents. His development will be closely watched, as he could quickly become a significant contributor for the Bulls.
Tier 5: Supplementary Pieces
Torrey Craig, Chris Duarte
Torrey Craig is a veteran forward known for his defense, toughness, and ability to knock down open threes. Last season, he provided valuable minutes as a 3-and-D player, averaging 5.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Craig’s experience and versatility make him a key piece off the bench, capable of guarding multiple positions and contributing when called upon.
Chris Duarte is a sharpshooting guard who adds depth and scoring punch to the Bulls’ second unit. Though his role may be limited, Duarte has shown the ability to light it up from beyond the arc, averaging 3.9 points per game on 34.6% shooting from three last season. His ability to stretch the floor will be important in spacing the court for the Bulls’ playmakers.
Tier 6: Bench
Jevon Carter, Kenneth Lofton Jr, Julian Phillip, Dalen Terry
Jevon Carter provides defense, grit, and energy in limited minutes. He’s known for his on-ball pressure and is a reliable option off the bench when needed off the bench. The 6’1” point guard averaged 5.0 points and 1.3 assists per game last season, competing in 13.9 minutes per game in 72 appearances for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kenneth Lofton Jr. is a young, physical forward who brings energy and toughness to the Bulls’ frontcourt. He’ll look to carve out a role with his rebounding and inside scoring as a 6’7” power forward at 22 years old. Lofton Jr averaged 4.6 points and 1.8 rebounds per game last season so don’t expect him to play heavy minutes for the Bulls next season.
The 20-year-old Julian Phillips adds athleticism and defensive potential to the Bulls’ wing rotation. His primary focus will be developing his game and finding opportunities to contribute because he is only 20 years old and was a second-round draft pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Dalen Terry is an athletic guard with upside as a defender and playmaker. Though his role may be limited considering he only averaged 11.5 minutes per game last year, Terry will aim to make an impact with his versatility and energy but the guard depth ahead of him will make it tough for him to get on the court.
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