The Bulls are seeking a new lead executive to supplant John Paxson and Gar Forman.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
Among the Bulls initial plans will be to seek permission to interview Denver Nuggets general manager Arturas Karnisovas and Toronto GM Bobby Webster, among other candidates, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 3, 2020
K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago:
Per source, Pacers GM Chad Buchanan also will be initial interview target. Wrote this on Bulls' interest in Buchanan in Feb.: https://t.co/Yg3SuSxWCB
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) April 3, 2020
Karnisovas (under Tim Connelly with the Nuggets), Bobby Webster (under Masai Ujiri with the Raptors) and Chad Buchanan (under Kevin Pritchard with the Pacers) have appeared successful in their supporting roles. Karnisovas, Webster and Buchanan are perfectly logical candidates to lead a front office. It’s encouraging for Chicago that those three are getting consideration, raising the level of the talent pool.
But this will also be an interview of the Bulls.
How much control will their new top executive get? Paxson will reportedly maintain some power, and COO Michael Reinsdorf isn’t going anywhere. Management will reportedly even ask candidates to keep an open mind on coach Jim Boylen.
How patient will ownership be? After nine straight seasons without a losing record, Chicago is in its third straight miserable season. The Bulls didn’t grasp how far trading Jimmy Butler would set them back, and their rebuild – already longer than expected – isn’t necessarily close to finished. A new general manager will be starting fresh. Yet, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf is already years into his agitation.
How much will the job pay? The Bulls have earned a reputation for cheapness. That’s why it was difficult to buy rumors of Chicago chasing Thunder general manager Sam Presti. And apparently, the Bulls won’t.
Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic:
Chicago will not pursue OKC's Sam Presti or Toronto's Masai Ujiri, according to sources, and does not plan to go player agent route.
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) April 3, 2020