Bulls front office sees new atmosphere under Bryson Graham

By Oliver Bennett — 14 July 2026 — 4 min read

The Chicago Bulls are reportedly experiencing a shift in their front office culture. According to a profile by ESPN’s Jamal Collier, multiple team sources have described a distinctly different atmosphere under the new head of basketball operations, Bryson Graham, compared to the previous leadership. This change is being felt throughout the organisation, with one basketball operations staffer noting a “very, very, very different vibe” that “Everybody feels it.”

The report indicates that front office members are now more actively involved in discussions concerning the draft, free agency, and coaching decisions. This marks a departure from previous times when some staff members felt their input was not being heard. Graham has emphasised that collaboration will be a central aspect of his leadership approach, stating that he is not attempting to “overcorrect” but rather to lead in a manner he believes is appropriate.

Front Office Dynamics and Ownership Influence

The Bulls are looking to move past a recent season that ended in disappointment. A more unified front office is seen as a potential factor in establishing a clearer direction for the team moving forward. However, the influence of ownership, specifically Bulls President and CEO Michael Reinsdorf, remains a significant theme in the team’s trajectory.

The success or failure of the Graham-led front office is heavily dependent on the extent to which Reinsdorf chooses to influence its decisions and processes. This point was highlighted in Collier’s reporting, with an executive from a rival team commenting on the perception of “bad ownership” and being “handcuffed.”

Collier’s analysis drew parallels between the current front office under Graham and the previous regime led by Arturas Karnisovas, which began in 2020. Both periods saw the hiring of front office executives with positive reputations across the league, along with esteemed head coach hires and high draft picks. However, Reinsdorf’s judgment in hiring Karnisovas was identified as a catalyst for organisational issues that affected the Bulls for six years.

Internal conflicts between Karnisovas and his lieutenant, Marc Eversley, and their staff were detailed, particularly regarding the selection for the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Karnisovas and Eversley reportedly disregarded staff recommendations to draft Tyrese Haliburton, opting instead for Patrick Williams. Williams is now widely considered a negative asset following a decision to extend his contract for five years.

Lessons for the Bulls and Other NBA Developments

For the Bulls to improve their on-court performance through Graham’s leadership, Reinsdorf may need to adapt his ownership style to align with the modern NBA. One example cited is Reinsdorf’s reluctance to allow the franchise to engage in a rebuild through strategic tanking over the past six seasons, which reportedly hindered the team’s competitive standing. Another relevant point of scrutiny for the current front office is the sale of the team’s entire selection of 2026 NBA second-round draft picks for cash at the beginning of the rebuild. This decision has been questioned, particularly given the current state of the Bulls’ summer league roster regarding ball-handling.

Furthermore, the persistent influence of John Paxson over the Bulls’ future has been identified as a potential obstacle to the team becoming a relevant NBA franchise, suggesting a need to focus on present circumstances rather than past history.

In other NBA news, the San Antonio Spurs have withdrawn their qualifying offer to forward Harrison Ingram, making him an unrestricted free agent. Ingram, a second-round pick in 2024, spent the last two seasons on two-way contracts with San Antonio, playing in 12 NBA games and primarily with the Austin Spurs. He averaged 16.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in the G League last season. The Spurs could still re-sign Ingram, potentially on another two-way deal, though their three two-way spots are currently occupied.

Team USA Coaching Staff Takes Shape

The coaching staff for Team USA is also beginning to form. Reports indicate that Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, and Gonzaga’s Mark Few are expected to serve as assistants under head coach Erik Spoelstra. Spoelstra was appointed Team USA’s head coach last fall and is set to lead the American squad in the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Daigneault recently guided the Thunder to an NBA championship, while Bickerstaff is coming off a 60-win season with the Pistons. Few brings extensive international experience, having served on Steve Kerr’s staff during the 2024 Olympic Games.

The formation of this coaching staff marks a significant step in Team USA’s preparations for upcoming international competitions.

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be a key event for the newly assembled coaching team.

The 2027 FIBA World Cup is another major tournament on the horizon for Team USA.

The Chicago Bulls are hoping for a clearer direction moving forward.

Source: hoopswire.com