I've been so caught up with the Suns drama, I didn't realize the Bulls are set up to have a shit ton of money this summer and next. The salary cap is going to be $170 million heading into the 2026 season and the Bulls (as of now) will have just 3 players under contract totaling $33 million.
$137 million of potential cap space heading into 2026.
If they're going to be mediocre and in NBA hell forever, part of me wants them to draft Bryce James, throw $40 million at LeBron (41 yrs old), $40 million at Durant (37 yrs old), and $40 million at Lillard (36 yrs old) next summer. Try it for a year. Fuck it.
In reality, they need to cut ties with Coby and trade him for an expiring contract. You have to hope Giddey takes no more than $25 million a year. Keep Vucevic for his final season as his defense will help the tank. Make Patrick Williams shoot 20 times a game as that will help the tank too. Pray you get a top 3 pick as the top 3 guys in the '26 draft are supposed to be franchise guys.
Then you open your wallet July 1, 2026. Tons of big names who are unrestricted. Tons of restricted as well. Orlando doesn't let Banchero go but I'm not sure OKC can keep both Holmgren and Jalen Williams. Because SGA won the MVP, he's eligible for a 5 year, $380 million deal. That's $76 million a season
