Some Chicago Bulls fans have been hoping for Arturas Karnisovas’ demise like a Marvel villain; however, looking around the league at some of his peers, it’s possible that he’s not doing a better job than most of them would care to admit.
The Bulls currently find themselves in full transition mode, starring talented players like Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu. Their bench unit is among the best in the league.
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Some have projected this team as nothing more than Play-In worthy, a spot they have found themselves in the past two years. However, with expiring and highly tradable assets, as well as their own draft picks, this team’s position presents a brighter future than some talking heads suggest.
The Bulls’ future could eclipse teams that have gone all-in too fast — teams who will soon be facing the consequences of their actions.
Ballmer’s Billion-Dollar Botch Job Clipped the Clippers
Back in 2017, the Clippers shipped Chris Paul to Houston like yesterday’s trash, and squandered Lob City’s prime without the glory. Then in 2019 came their genius plan: mortgage the farm, including future MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander and picks, for Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
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That supposed “super team” crumbled under endless injuries, making zero Finals appearances. Fast forward to 2025-26: still no picks until 2027, courtesy of the Harden deal, leaving them in an asset starved nightmare.
Karnisovas still gets roasted for slow pivots, but at least the Bulls aren’t aren’t a billion-dollar punchline.
Bucks and the Giant Giannis Trade Drama that Never Seems to End
Milwaukee is the poster child for how to ruin a good thing by spoiling a homegrown star. After losing in a first-round series to the Miami Heat in 2023, Milwaukee made a move to enhance the team and satisfy Giannis Antetokounmpo, coughing up picks and money for Damian Lillard.
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The Lillard-Giannis pairing failed miserably and left their once depth-laden roster bear. The result has been Giannis trade rumors that are crying louder than a hungry six-month old baby.
Perhaps the Hawks, Knicks, or Raptors will open up their draft coffers. But that seems more like trade fodder as Milwaukee is desperately trying to hold out hope he stays. And teams might be hesitant to part with their picks given Giannis’ mileage, age, and limited offensive bag.
Magic’s Blockbuster Bet on Bane Creates a Time Sensitive Title Run
The Magic went full desperado mode this offseason, shipping out Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first round picks and a pick swap to the Grizzlies for Desmond Bane.
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That’s a massive investment given that Bane is locked in to a five-year, $197 million dollar deal. The hope is that Bane will supercharge the Magic’s offense alongside Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. All four are locked in long term.
But while Bane has delivered some clutch moments, the plans are sputtering so far with mixed results. With their contracts ballooning, Orlando has maybe two years to win before the house of cards collapses.
Warriors Blending a Youth Allergy with a Geriatric Glory Chase
Golden State was once considered NBA royalty. Now they’re a sad nursing home for has-beens under Steve Kerr‘s watch.
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Kerr benches young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Will Richard in favor of vets. The result? A team that seems comfortable hanging around the .500 mark that’s being dragged into irrelevance.
Rival teams are also taking notice and circling like vultures. They fully expect Kuminga, the former seventh-overall pick and current athletic wing with All-Star talent to be traded soon. The outlook looks bleak as management continues to cling to Steph Curry’s past his prime window without any young assets marking a bleak future.
Kings Utilize a Master Plan of Recycled Bulls’ Rejects
Sacramento boldly went dumpster diving in Chicago’s roster by snagging DeMar DeRozan in 2024 to try and elevate De’Aron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Then they double downed on the Bulls’ castoffs in a desperate February 2025 three-team trade.
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In that deal, the Kings shipped out Fox to the Spurs and accepted Zach LaVine along with his remaining $141 million contract. They were betting the former All Star would spark their offense despite his injury history and defensive miscues.
The results are that the Kings are expected to go in full wholesale mode before the NBA trade deadline ends.
Karnisovas Isn’t Perfect, But Bulls Are Doing Okay
The bottom line is that Karnisovas isn’t perfect, but he’s miles away from these front office farces.
With many expiring deals, young assets like Matas and Giddey, and full control of their own draft capital, their future is brighter than many Chicago Bulls fans think. Just look around the rest of the league for proof.
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