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Bulls Bet Big on Defense

Bulls Bet Big on Defense, Depth in Multi-Team Shakeup

The Chicago Bulls are officially under reconstruction, but this time, it’s not a teardown. It’s a calculated retool.

In one of the more exciting deals of the offseason, the Bulls flipped Pascal Siakam, GG Jackson, Haywood Highsmith, and two second-round picks in exchange for a trio of high impact defenders and a developmental prospect. Coming to Chicago: Aaron Gordon, Herb Jones, Kenrich Williams, and the draft rights to Mohamed Diawara.

The deal, executed through a series of interconnected trades with Charlotte, Philadelphia, and several other teams, marks a turning point in the Bulls approach. One focused less on name recognition and more on fit, function, and flexibility.

“This was about sustainability, identity, and balance,” said Bulls GM Jonathan. “Pascal was huge for us on the court and in the locker room. But with the 2^nd apron approaching, we had to make a decision that keeps us competitive without compromising the future”.

The loss of Pascal Siakam is not being taken lightly inside the Bulls front office. The former All-Star played a pivotal role last season, especially as the Bulls navigated long term injuries to LaMelo Ball, Jalen Suggs, and Collin Sexton. Siakam became the stabilizing force that kept Chicago afloat.

“Pascal gave us everything,” Jonathan added. “He took on more than we ever asked of him, and there’s no question we don’t make the playoffs last year without him. But this is a cap driven league. His extension kicked in last season, and with the tax apron looming, we needed to reposition without taking a step back.”

GG Jackson, meanwhile, blossomed into a valuable scoring threat off the bench, with flashes of star potential. His versatility and ability to create his own shot were instrumental in key stretches over the past two seasons. Haywood Highsmith, the ultimate glue guy, was praised internally for doing the dirty work that never shows up in a box score but often changes the outcome of games.

“GG’s growth was a pleasure to watch, he gave us a different gear offensively. And Haywood? He was one of the reasons we turned our fortunes around in the season and a half he was here. He’s all heart, and we’ll miss that.”

What the Bulls lose in star power, they gain in cohesion and two way versatility.

Aaron Gordon, a tried and true hybrid forward, arrives with a reputation as one of the league’s most versatile defenders (and also one of its most freakishly athletic players). He’s expected to be an ideal fit alongside LaMelo Ball, providing vertical spacing, transition finishing, and defensive muscle without needing the ball to be effective.

“AG fits like a glove,” Jonathan said. “He defends, he cuts, he screens, he makes things easier for our scorers. LaMelo’s going to love playing with him.”

But the real buzz may surround the perimeter defense the Bulls have built. Herb Jones, acquired via a separate move with Charlotte, is widely regarded as one of the best wing defenders in the league. Pairing him with Jalen Suggs, a relentless on-ball pest, gives the Bulls a legitimate case as the league’s toughest defensive backcourt.

And when Nic Claxton is behind them, capable of switching onto guards and protecting the rim with equal efficiency, it’s no longer just hype, it’s real team identity.

“You look at Herb and Jalen hounding ball handlers, AG flying around, and Claxton cleaning everything up... it’s going to be a nightmare for opposing offenses,” Jonathan said. “That’s not a pipe dream, that’s reality.”

Kenrich Williams, meanwhile, adds depth and grit off the bench. Another high IQ defender who can guard multiple spots and hit timely shots.

And while it is uncertain if Mohamed Diawara suits up this year, the Bulls are intrigued by the athletic youngsters long term upside. “He’s raw, but the physical tools are all there,” said one team scout. “Could be a real steal down the road.”

For a franchise long caught between chasing wins and building something sustainable, this trade plants a firm flag. The Bulls are betting on a rugged, cohesive core that can hang its hat on defense, versatility, and chemistry.

The East isn’t getting any easier. But if the Bulls have their way, it’s about to get a lot more uncomfortable for anyone trying to score.

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		Comments (1)
laddas 07/27 10:26 pm	QN, Qtr. OFF, #1