Chicago Bulls Central

Is Matas Buzelis really playing his way toward a $155 million extension? Could Caleb Wilson realistically enter the Team USA conversation by 2028? And is Jalen Smith about to become one of the most important supporting players on the Chicago Bulls?
It’s time for another FACTS OR CAP edition of Chicago Bulls Central with Haize! 🔥
First, Haize breaks down why Jalen Smith’s value may go far beyond his own box-score production. Smith averaged 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 37.3% from three last season, and his ability to stretch the floor at center could create more space for Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson to develop as creators.
But this is also a contract year for Smith. He is entering the final season of his deal and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027, making this season a major audition for his long-term future in Chicago.
Then we get into the BIG money conversation. 💰
Matas Buzelis becomes eligible for a rookie-scale extension in summer 2027, and recent deals for Peyton Watson, Ausar Thompson and Amen Thompson provide some major reference points. Could Matas eventually land something around five years and $155 million if he makes another major leap this season?
Haize breaks down what Matas would need to show as a creator, shooter, defender and running mate alongside Caleb Wilson before Chicago commits that kind of money.
And finally…
🇺🇸 Caleb Wilson on Team USA in 2028?!
There is no reported invitation or commitment from USA Basketball, but the idea gives Bulls fans another way to measure Caleb’s development. By the 2028 Olympics, he would have only two NBA seasons under his belt, meaning he would need to develop FAST—but the role he could eventually fill alongside stars is worth discussing.
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
🐂 Can Jalen Smith unlock Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson?
🎯 How Smith’s floor spacing could change the offense
💰 Is Matas heading toward a $155M extension?
👀 What Matas must prove before the Bulls pay him
🇺🇸 Could Caleb Wilson enter the 2028 Team USA conversation?
🧠 What Caleb needs to show without high usage
🔥 FACTS OR CAP on three major Bulls storylines
💬 FACTS OR CAP: If Matas Buzelis makes a clear third-year leap, would five years and roughly $155 million be good business for Chicago?
And…
Could Caleb Wilson realistically become a Team USA-level player by 2028?
👍 LIKE
🔔 SUBSCRIBE
🐂 Join Haize every day on Chicago Bulls Central!
Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
Get at us:
Email: BullsCentralPod@gmail.com
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is this Isaac Okoro’s final chance to prove he belongs with the Chicago Bulls? And could Tiago Splitter turn offensive rebounding into a major part of Chicago’s identity?
On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down THREE major questions surrounding the Bulls heading toward training camp and the 2026–27 NBA season.
First, we dive into Isaac Okoro’s make-or-break year in Chicago. Okoro averaged 9.3 points while shooting 33% from three last season, but his defensive value could become even more important if Tiago Splitter uses him as Chicago’s primary perimeter stopper. With Okoro set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027, this season could determine whether he has a future alongside Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell and the rest of the Bulls’ young core.
Then we ask one of the biggest schematic questions facing Chicago:
Will opposing teams simply dare the Bulls to shoot? 👀
Haize breaks down how Chicago could attack zone defenses using Josh Giddey in the middle, Norman Powell as a perimeter threat, Nic Claxton around the rim and Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis attacking gaps. These are potential solutions for the current roster—not confirmed Tiago Splitter plays—and they illustrate what the Bulls need when defenses take away the paint.
PLUS…
Could offensive rebounding become the Bulls’ secret weapon? 🔥
We examine how Nic Claxton, Caleb Wilson, Leonard Miller and even Tobe Awaka could help Chicago create second-chance opportunities—and why sending too many players to the glass could leave the Bulls vulnerable in transition. The real question isn’t simply whether Chicago can rebound more misses. It’s whether the extra possessions outweigh the defensive risk.
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
🐂 Isaac Okoro’s make-or-break season
🎯 Can Okoro become Chicago’s best perimeter defender?
🏀 What happens if opponents dare the Bulls to shoot?
🧠 How Josh Giddey could attack the middle of a zone
💥 Norman Powell and Nic Claxton’s role against packed defenses
🌟 Caleb Wilson’s potential offensive-rebounding impact
👀 Leonard Miller’s path to more rotation minutes
⚠️ The transition-defense risk of crashing the glass
🔥 What Bulls fans should watch during preseason
💬 What matters more for Isaac Okoro’s future in Chicago: becoming a dependable shooter or proving he is the Bulls’ best perimeter defender?
Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
Get at us:
Email: BullsCentralPod@gmail.com
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Should the Chicago Bulls send Noa Essengue back to the G League—and could Tre Jones actually become TOO valuable for Chicago to trade?
On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize continues breaking down the biggest questions surrounding the Bulls heading into the 2026–27 season.
First, we dive into Noa Essengue’s development plan. After a difficult Summer League and an injury-shortened rookie season, Chicago has a major decision to make: should the 19-year-old forward spend meaningful time with the Windy City Bulls, or would practicing every day with Tiago Splitter and the NBA roster accelerate his development more?
Haize breaks down what a successful season should actually look like for Noa, the skills Chicago should prioritize, what would earn him NBA rotation minutes and why his development shouldn’t be judged simply by points per game. 👀
Then we turn to Tre Jones.
After averaging 14.1 points and 5.4 assists while shooting 55.3% from the field last season, Jones enters this year with a different role behind Josh Giddey and Norman Powell. But his ability to organize the offense could be especially valuable while Chicago develops players like Dailyn Swain, Rob Dillingham and Leonard Miller.
Could Tre become so important to the development of this roster that moving him at the trade deadline would actually hurt more than help?
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
🐂 Should Noa Essengue spend significant time in the G League?
📈 What would actually make Noa’s season a success?
🧠 The specific skills Chicago needs him developing
👀 What could earn him more minutes under Tiago Splitter
🔥 Why Tre Jones may be essential to the Bulls’ bench
🏀 How Tre could help Dailyn Swain and Rob Dillingham
💰 What would make a Tre Jones trade worth it?
📞 Chicago Bulls Central listener voicemails
PLUS, Bulls fans weigh in on Max Strus, Jalen Smith trade value, Josh Giddey’s future and what watching Bulls basketball will feel like without Stacey King.
💬 Would you consider Noa Essengue’s season successful if he spends significant time with Windy City but finishes the year looking ready for an NBA role?
And:
What would another team have to offer before YOU would trade Tre Jones?
👍 LIKE
🔔 SUBSCRIBE
🐂 Join the conversation every day on Chicago Bulls Central with Haize!
Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
Get at us:
Email: BullsCentralPod@gmail.com
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Could Leonard Miller eventually become the most valuable player the Chicago Bulls received in the Ayo Dosunmu trade?
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize continues the Bulls player-prediction series with one of Chicago’s most intriguing young forwards.
Miller averaged 11.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 23.1 minutes during his 27 games with Chicago while shooting 55.5% from the field and 35.6% from three. The production was real — but this season brings a much different challenge. Miller must prove he can remain impactful without guaranteed touches, regular starts or a huge offensive role.
His pathway is straightforward: run the floor, cut behind help defenders, attack offensive rebounds, finish against unsettled defenses and provide energy without requiring Chicago to run plays specifically for him. That skill set could fit naturally around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson.
But three questions will decide his season: Can Miller defend consistently enough for Tiago Splitter to trust him? Will defenses respect his jumper? And can he maintain his rebounding, cutting and energy when his touches fluctuate?
Haize gives his full Leonard Miller prediction, including a projected 20 minutes, 9 points, 5.5 rebounds and roughly 35% shooting from three while establishing himself as a regular reserve forward.
Then we dive into one of the most overlooked weapons in Josh Giddey’s game: inbound passing.
Giddey has previously demonstrated elite creativity as an inbound passer, and Chicago now has intriguing options around him. Norman Powell can fly off screens, Nic Claxton can slip toward the rim, while Matas and Caleb can punish defenders who overplay passing lanes.
The Bulls could even use inbound possessions to flow directly into their normal offense, allowing Giddey to enter the ball and immediately become part of the next action rather than resetting from scratch.
🔥 Topics include: Leonard Miller’s season prediction, his long-term Bulls future, his competition for forward minutes, the Ayo trade return, Giddey’s inbound passing, Powell movement actions, Claxton slips, Caleb and Matas backdoor cuts, and Bulls mailbag reactions.
🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!
Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
Get at us:
Email: BullsCentralPod@gmail.com
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bleacher Report has Rob Dillingham pegged as the Chicago Bulls’ top breakout candidate for 2026–27 — but Chicago may have to make a major decision on his future before the breakout has time to fully happen.
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down what a legitimate Rob Dillingham leap would actually look like after he averaged 9.6 points, 2.8 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 21.5 minutes during his 30 games with Chicago last season.
The Bulls have until October 31 to decide whether to exercise Dillingham’s roughly $8.8 million fourth-year option for 2027–28. That means training camp, preseason and a small sample of regular-season basketball could become extremely important.
What does Chicago need to see?
Better shooting. More controlled decision-making. Value when Josh Giddey or Norman Powell initiates the offense. Fewer avoidable defensive mistakes. Most importantly, Dillingham has to prove he can help the Bulls during ordinary eight-minute stretches without needing a 20-point explosion to justify his minutes.
Haize also gives his full Rob Dillingham season prediction, including disappointing, likely and breakout statistical ranges.
Then we turn to Chicago’s final two-way contract.
Jaylin Sellers and Tobe Awaka already occupy two spots, leaving one available. Could former Alabama wing Houston Mallette provide the shooting Chicago needs? Can Boo Buie change the evaluation after a difficult Summer League? And should the Bulls monitor Trevor Keels if he becomes available following Washington’s camp?
Finally, we go deep into Tiago Splitter’s defensive options.
Should Chicago switch everything with Nic Claxton, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson? Or should Claxton remain closer to the rim while perimeter defenders fight over screens?
We break down selective switching, higher screen coverage, rim protection and what these choices could mean against combinations like Jalen Brunson–Karl-Anthony Towns and Donovan Mitchell–Evan Mobley.
🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!
Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
Get at us:
Email: BullsCentralPod@gmail.com
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy