Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls may have a chance to take advantage of another team’s financial pressure — but should they actually help the Denver Nuggets get out of a second-apron problem? 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer debate whether the Bulls should consider taking on one of Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, or Christian Braun if Denver needs financial relief. Would one of those players give Chicago a real upgrade, or would the Bulls be helping another team without getting enough long-term value back?

 

The guys break down each possible fit. Aaron Gordon would bring size, defense, toughness, and playoff experience, but does he fit the Bulls’ timeline? Cam Johnson would answer Chicago’s shooting concerns immediately, but what would the cost be? Christian Braun fits the younger, athletic wing profile, but is he enough of an upside swing for Bryson Graham to use assets or financial flexibility?

 

Haize and Pat also look at where the Bulls rank in a suddenly deeper Eastern Conference. With teams across the East improving, can Chicago realistically climb into the Play-In conversation, or are the Bulls still closer to the bottom than fans want to admit? The discussion centers on how Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell, Nic Claxton, Tiago Splitter, and the rest of the roster stack up against the East.

 

Plus, the guys react to CBS Sports ranking the Bulls front office 23rd in the NBA. Is that a fair ranking for a front office still early in the Bryson Graham era? Or should the Bulls get more credit for resetting direction, adding young talent, and creating a clearer developmental plan?

 

Topics Include:

Should the Bulls help Denver escape the second apron?

Aaron Gordon as a possible Bulls trade target

Cam Johnson’s shooting fit in Chicago

Christian Braun as a young wing option

What Bryson Graham should demand in any Denver deal

Where the Bulls rank in the deeper Eastern Conference

Can Chicago compete for a Play-In spot?

CBS Sports ranking Bulls front office 23rd

Is the front office criticism fair or premature?

Bulls offseason outlook before training camp

 

The Bulls are not expected to make a major move, but Denver’s financial situation could create an opportunity. The question is whether Chicago should use its flexibility to chase a real roster upgrade — or avoid helping a contender unless the return is too good to pass up.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Denver trade possibilities, the Bulls’ place in the new-look Eastern Conference, and whether CBS Sports is right to rank Chicago’s front office 23rd.

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The Chicago Bulls may have a real shooting problem heading into the 2026-27 NBA season — but can a great defense cover it up? 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down how good the Bulls’ defense needs to be if Chicago is going to overcome its lack of consistent three-point shooting. With a roster built around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, Isaac Okoro, Patrick Williams, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Tre Jones, Jalen Smith, Zach Collins, and Rob Dillingham, the Bulls have talent — but spacing remains one of the biggest concerns.

 

The guys discuss why Chicago may not just need a good defense, but a top-10 defense to have a real chance at being competitive. If the Bulls are going to struggle with shooting, Tiago Splitter’s team must defend, rebound, force turnovers, run in transition, and create easy offense from stops.

 

Haize and Pat also look at how Nic Claxton can anchor the defense, how Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson can create chaos with their length and athleticism, and whether Isaac Okoro and Patrick Williams can become reliable defensive weapons in Splitter’s system.

 

But the bigger question remains: can defense carry a team far enough in today’s NBA if the shooting is below average?

 

Topics Include:

How good does the Bulls defense need to be?

Can Chicago overcome a lack of three-point shooting?

Why a top-10 defense may be the minimum expectation

Nic Claxton’s role as the defensive anchor

Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson as defensive playmakers

Can Isaac Okoro become Tiago Splitter’s stopper?

How defense can create easier offense for Josh Giddey

Bulls transition offense and points off turnovers

Can Chicago win ugly in the modern NBA?

Tiago Splitter’s biggest year-one challenge

 

The Bulls do not have to become an elite shooting team overnight, but if they are going to beat expectations, their defense has to become their identity. A top-10 defense gives Chicago a path. A top-5 defense gives the Bulls a chance to shock people. Anything less could make the shooting concerns impossible to ignore.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down whether the Bulls’ defense can save their shooting problem and what Tiago Splitter must build in year one.

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

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The Chicago Bulls are adding another voice to Tiago Splitter’s staff, and this move could matter a lot for the future of the young core. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to the Bulls hiring Jordan Brink and what his role could mean for player development in Chicago. With young pieces like Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Rob Dillingham, Jaylin Sellers, and Patrick Williams, the Bulls need more than just talent — they need a real development plan.

 

The guys discuss how Brink could help build structure, accountability, and growth habits around a roster that is still trying to turn upside into reliable NBA production. Can this coaching staff finally help Chicago develop players at a higher level than fans have seen in recent years?

 

Haize and Pat also revisit the three most criticized moves of Bryson Graham’s first offseason running the Bulls. Was it the lack of a bigger swing trade? Not adding enough shooting? The handling of second-round picks? The Zach Collins deal? Or the decision to stay patient instead of pushing harder to reshape the roster immediately?

 

Plus, the guys react to the Bulls being ranked as the 6th most profitable NBA franchise last season and what that says about expectations for ownership, spending, and roster-building. If Chicago remains one of the league’s strongest business machines, should fans expect a more aggressive basketball operation?

 

Topics Include:

Bulls hire Jordan Brink

What Brink can bring to player development

How the Bulls can help Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, and Matas Buzelis

Tiago Splitter’s coaching staff taking shape

The three most criticized Bryson Graham offseason moves

Did the Bulls do enough to fix shooting and depth?

Was Chicago too patient this offseason?

Bulls ranked 6th most profitable NBA franchise

What profitability should mean for expectations

Are the Bulls building like a big-market franchise?

 

The Bulls are trying to build a new era around development, patience, and long-term upside. But when the franchise is this profitable, fans have every right to ask whether Chicago should be moving with more urgency.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Jordan Brink hire, the most criticized moves of Bryson Graham’s offseason, and what the Bulls’ profitability says about the franchise’s future.

 

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

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Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

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The Chicago Bulls’ starting five is set to be one of the most important storylines of the 2026-27 NBA season — but what does each starter actually need to bring for this team to take a step forward? 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down expectations for every projected Bulls starter: Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Nic Claxton. Each player has a different job, and each one could define how competitive Chicago becomes under Tiago Splitter.

 

Can Josh Giddey control the offense, improve as a shooter, and prove he is a long-term core piece? Can Norman Powell give the Bulls the veteran scoring and floor spacing they desperately need? Is Matas Buzelis ready to take another leap as a two-way forward? What should Bulls fans realistically expect from Caleb Wilson as a rookie? And can Nic Claxton become the defensive anchor who changes Chicago’s identity?

 

Haize and Pat also debate the most impactful Chicago Bulls player since the Jimmy Butler era. Has anyone truly changed the direction of the franchise since Jimmy left? Is the answer Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey — or someone else entirely?

 

Plus, the guys discuss how teams should manage and protect first-round picks in the modern NBA. With the new CBA making roster-building harder and draft capital more valuable, should the Bulls be more careful with future picks? When should a team protect picks, trade picks, or hold them for a major opportunity?

 

Topics Include:

Expectations for every Bulls starter in 2026-27

What Josh Giddey must bring as lead playmaker

Norman Powell’s role as veteran scorer and shooter

Matas Buzelis’ next step as a two-way forward

Caleb Wilson’s rookie-year responsibilities

Nic Claxton’s impact as Chicago’s defensive anchor

Most impactful Bull since Jimmy Butler

How the Bulls should value first-round picks

Modern NBA roster-building and draft protection

Tiago Splitter’s challenge with a rebuilt starting five

 

The Bulls have talent, but now every starter has to bring something specific to the table. If the starting five clicks, Chicago could be more competitive than expected. If it does not, the conversation shifts back to patience, development, and how Bryson Graham manages the future.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down what each Bulls starter must bring this season, who has been the most impactful Bull since Jimmy Butler, and how Chicago should handle first-round picks in the modern NBA.

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

Support us by supporting our sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors:

 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Chicago Bulls rumor mill is heating back up, and Bennedict Mathurin is once again at the center of the conversation. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Brett Siegel reporting that a possible sign-and-trade framework involving Bennedict Mathurin, Isaac Okoro, and second-round picks could be on the table. Would Mathurin be the kind of upside swing Bryson Graham should still be looking for? Or would moving Okoro and draft capital be too aggressive for a Bulls team still trying to evaluate its rebuilt roster?

 

The guys break down what Bennedict Mathurin could bring to Chicago, including scoring upside, athleticism, shot creation, rim pressure, and another young wing who fits the Bulls’ timeline with Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, and Noa Essengue. But they also discuss the concerns: defensive fit, offensive overlap, contract value, and whether Chicago should be careful about giving up assets before seeing this roster under Tiago Splitter.

 

Haize and Pat also react to The Athletic ranking the Bulls’ offseason 13th in the NBA. Is that a sign the national media is starting to respect what Bryson Graham has built? Or should Chicago’s offseason still be viewed with caution because of the remaining questions around shooting, depth, and star-level upside?

 

Plus, the guys discuss Nic Claxton arriving in Chicago ahead of training camp and why his presence matters. Claxton could be the defensive anchor this team has needed, giving the Bulls rim protection, switchability, rebounding, and a real identity in the frontcourt.

 

Topics Include:

Brett Siegel’s Bennedict Mathurin sign-and-trade report

Isaac Okoro and second-round picks as a possible framework

Should the Bulls pursue Mathurin?

What Mathurin would bring to Chicago’s young core

The Athletic ranking the Bulls offseason 13th

Did Bryson Graham have an underrated first offseason?

Nic Claxton arriving in Chicago before training camp

Claxton’s defensive impact on the Bulls

How Tiago Splitter can shape the new-look roster

Bulls trade rumors and offseason outlook

 

The Bulls have already made major changes, but the Mathurin rumor shows Chicago may not be completely done looking for upside. With Claxton in town, training camp approaching, and national outlets starting to recognize the Bulls’ offseason, the question now is simple: should Bryson Graham make one more big swing?

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Bennedict Mathurin sign-and-trade buzz, The Athletic’s offseason ranking, and what Nic Claxton’s arrival means for the Bulls ahead of training camp.

 

#ChicagoBulls #BullsNation #LockedOnBulls #BennedictMathurin #IsaacOkoro #NicClaxton #BrysonGraham #TiagoSplitter #JoshGiddey #MatasBuzelis #CalebWilson #NBA #NBARumors #SeeRed

 

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Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

Support us by supporting our sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors:

 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.