Editing Chicago Bulls (section)

==History==

===1966–1975: Team creation and early success===
[[File:Chicago bulls 1969-70 team.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.13|The 1969–70 Chicago Bulls]]
The Chicago Bulls were granted an NBA franchise on January 16, 1966, making them the third NBA team in Chicago's history, following the [[Chicago Stags]] (1946–1950) and the [[Chicago Packers|Chicago Packers/Zephyrs]] (1961–1963) {{NoteTag|The team eventually became the [[Washington Wizards]]}}. The franchise was founded by [[Dick Klein (basketball)|Dick Klein]], the only owner in Bulls history to have played professional basketball, having previously played for the [[Chicago American Gears]]. Klein served as the team’s general manager and president during its formative years.

After the [[1966 NBA expansion draft]], the Bulls (coached by Chicagoan and former NBA All-Star [[Red Kerr|Johnny "Red" Kerr]]) were allowed to acquire players from established teams. In their inaugural 1966–67 season, the Bulls played their first game on October 15, securing an upset victory over the [[St. Louis Hawks]].<ref name="Smith the one that started it all">{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Sam|url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/history/the-one-that-started-it-all|title=The one that started it all|website=[[NBA.com]]|date=October 15, 2015|accessdate=April 15, 2024}}</ref> They finished the season with a 33–48 record, the best by any expansion team in NBA history at the time, and became the first (and only) expansion team to qualify for the playoffs.<ref name="Smith the one that started it all"/> Guard [[Guy Rodgers]], who led the league in assists, and forward [[Jerry Sloan]] were named All-Stars, and Kerr earned Coach of the Year honors.<ref name="Smith the one that started it all"/>

The Bulls initially played their home games at the [[International Amphitheatre]] before moving to [[Chicago Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/features/rest-peace-don-kojis-original-bull |title=Rest In Peace To Don Kojis, The Original Bull |last=Smith |first=Sam |date=26 November 2021 |website=NBA.com |publisher= |access-date=18 November 2024 |quote=It became the most popular play for the modest number but excited fans in the South Side International Amphitheatre near the old Stockyards where the expansion Bulls played their games. They moved to the Chicago Stadium the following season.}}</ref> Despite their early success, fan interest waned over the next few seasons, with attendance dropping significantly. One Bull's game in the [[1967–68 NBA season|1967–68 season]] had an official attendance of 891<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hersch |first=Hank |date=July 7, 1993 |title=Before Jordan The Bulls played without His Airness for 18 years. Most of that time they were pretty good; the rest of that time they were very bad |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1993/07/07/before-jordan-the-bulls-played-without-his-airness-for-18-years-most-of-that-time-they-were-pretty-good-the-rest-of-that-time-they-were-very-bad |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> while some Bulls games were being played in [[Kansas City]].{{Notetag|The Chicago Bulls played eight games in Kansas City because one of the owners, [[Lamar Hunt]], owned the [[Kansas City Chiefs]].}}<ref name="1970s Bulls">{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/history/1970s-and-chicago-bulls |title=1970s and the Chicago Bulls |date=December 16, 2015 |website=NBA.com |access-date=18 November 2024 }}</ref> In 1969, Klein resigned as general manager and hired [[Pat Williams (basketball)|Pat Williams]], who had gained prominence with the Philadelphia 76ers for his promotional efforts. Williams revitalized the franchise, making key roster changes and introducing the team's first mascot, [[Benny the Bull]], which helped increase attendance and visibility.

Under Williams and head coach [[Dick Motta]], the Bulls made the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, including setting a franchise record of 57 wins in 1972. During this period, the team relied on key players like Sloan, [[Bob Love]], [[Chet Walker]], and [[Norm Van Lier]].<ref name="1960s Bulls">{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/history/1960s-and-chicago-bulls |title=The 1960s and the Chicago Bulls |last= |first= |date=5 November 2015 |website=NBA.com |publisher= |access-date=18 November 2024 }}</ref><ref name="1970s Bulls"/> The Bulls made their first appearance in the conference finals in 1975 but lost to the eventual NBA champions, the [[Golden State Warriors]], in a 4-3 series. Despite continued success through the early 1970s, the team faced challenges in the late decade. After four seasons of 50 or more wins, Williams left for Philadelphia, and Motta took on both the coaching and general manager roles. The Bulls' performance declined significantly, culminating in a 24–58 season in [[1975–76 Chicago Bulls season|1975–76]]. As a result, Motta was fired and replaced by [[Ed Badger]].

===1976–1984: Gilmore and Theus duo===
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2022}}
[[File:Artis Gilmore 1977.jpeg|thumb|left|upright=0.79|Gilmore in 1977]]
Klein sold the Bulls to the Wirtz family, longtime owners of the [[Chicago Blackhawks]]. Indifferent to NBA basketball, the new ownership group infamously implemented a shoestring budget, putting little time and investment into improving the team.

[[Artis Gilmore]], acquired in the [[American Basketball Association|ABA]] dispersal draft in 1976, led a Bulls squad which included guard [[Reggie Theus]], forward [[David Greenwood]] and forward [[Orlando Woolridge]].

In 1979, the Bulls lost a coin flip for the right to select first in the NBA draft ([[Rod Thorn]], the Bulls' general manager, called "heads"). Had the Bulls won the toss, they would have selected [[Magic Johnson]]; instead, they selected David Greenwood with the second pick. The [[Los Angeles Lakers]] selected Johnson with the pick acquired from the [[New Orleans Jazz (NBA team)|New Orleans Jazz]], who traded the selection for [[Gail Goodrich]].

After Gilmore was traded to the San Antonio Spurs for center [[Dave Corzine]], the Bulls employed a high-powered offense centered on Theus, and which soon included guards [[Quintin Dailey]] and [[Ennis Whatley]]. However, with continued dismal results, the Bulls decided to change direction, trading Theus to the [[Kansas City Kings]] during the [[1983–84 NBA season|1983–84 season]]. Attendance began to dwindle, with the Wirtz family looking to sell to ownership groups interested in moving the team out of Chicago, before selling to local ownership.

===1984–1990: Michael Jordan era begins===
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2023}}
[[File:Jordan by Lipofsky 16577.jpg|thumb|right|[[Michael Jordan]] was drafted third overall by the Bulls in [[1984 NBA draft|1984]]. He won six championships and six [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|Finals MVP]]s for Chicago.]]
In the summer of 1984, the Bulls had the third pick of the [[1984 NBA draft]], after Houston and Portland. The [[Houston Rockets|Rockets]] selected [[Hakeem Olajuwon]], the [[Portland Trail Blazers|Blazers]] picked [[Sam Bowie]] and the Bulls chose shooting guard [[Michael Jordan]]. The team, with new management in owner [[Jerry Reinsdorf]] and general manager [[Jerry Krause]], decided to rebuild around Jordan. Jordan set franchise records during his rookie campaign for scoring (third in the league) and steals (fourth), and led the Bulls back to [[1985 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]], where they lost in four games to the [[Milwaukee Bucks]]. For his efforts, he was rewarded with a selection to the All-NBA Second Team and the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

In the following off-season, the team acquired point guard [[John Paxson]] and on draft day traded with the Cavaliers for the rights to power forward [[Charles Oakley]]. Along with Jordan and center [[Dave Corzine]], they provided much of the Bulls' offense for the next two years. After suffering a broken foot early in the [[1985–86 NBA season|1985–86 season]], Jordan finished second on the team to Woolridge in scoring. Jordan returned for [[1986 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]], and led the eighth-place Bulls against the 67–15 [[Boston Celtics]], led by [[Larry Bird]]. At the time, the Bulls had the fifth-worst record of any team to qualify for the playoffs in NBA history.<ref>{{cite news |title=Worst Records of Playoff Teams |date=April 28, 1986 |newspaper=[[The Sporting News]] |page=46}}</ref> Though the Bulls were swept, Jordan recorded a playoff single-game record 63 points in Game 2 (which still stands to this day), prompting Bird to call him 'God disguised as Michael Jordan.'

In the [[1986–87 NBA season|1986–87 season]], Jordan continued his assault on the record books, leading the league in scoring with 37.1 points per game and becoming the first Bull named to the All-NBA First Team. The Bulls finished 40–42, which was good enough to qualify them for the playoffs. However, they were again swept by the Celtics in [[1987 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]].

In the [[1987 NBA draft|1987 draft]], to address their lack of depth, Krause selected center [[Olden Polynice]] eighth overall and power forward [[Horace Grant]] 10th overall, then sent Polynice to Seattle in a draft-day trade for the fifth selection, [[small forward]] [[Scottie Pippen]]. With Paxson and Jordan in the backcourt, [[Brad Sellers]] and Oakley at the forward spots, Corzine anchoring center, and [[rookie]]s Pippen and Grant coming off the bench, the Bulls won 50 games and advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they were beaten by the eventual Eastern Conference Champions [[Detroit Pistons]] in five games. For his efforts, Jordan was named NBA [[Most Valuable Player]], an award he would win four more times over his career. The 1987–88 season would also mark the start of the Pistons-Bulls rivalry which was formed from 1988 to 1991.

The [[1988–89 NBA season|1988–89 season]] marked a second straight year of major off-season moves. Power forward Charles Oakley, who had led the league in total rebounds in both 1987 and 1988, was traded on the eve of the [[1988 NBA draft]] to the [[New York Knicks]] along with a first-round draft pick used by the Knicks to select [[Rod Strickland]] for center [[Bill Cartwright]] and a first-round pick, which the Bulls used to obtain center [[Will Perdue]]. In addition, the Bulls acquired three-point shooter [[Craig Hodges]] from Phoenix. The new starting lineup of Paxson, Jordan, Pippen, Grant, and Cartwright took some time to mesh, winning fewer games than the previous season, but made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were defeated in six games by the NBA champion Pistons.

In [[1989–90 NBA season|1989–90]], Jordan led the league in scoring for the fourth straight season and was joined on the all-star squad for the first time by Pippen. There was also a major change during the off-season, where head coach [[Doug Collins (basketball)|Doug Collins]] was replaced by assistant coach [[Phil Jackson]]. The Bulls also picked up rookie center [[Stacey King]] and rookie point guard [[B. J. Armstrong]] in the [[1989 NBA draft|1989 draft]]. With these additional players and the previous year's starting five, the Bulls again made it to the Conference Finals and pushed the Pistons to seven games before being eliminated for the third straight year, the Pistons going on to repeat as NBA champions.

=== 1990–1993: First championship three-peat ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2023}}
In the [[1990–91 NBA season|1990–91 season]], the Bulls recorded a then-franchise record 61 wins, and romped through [[1991 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]], where they swept the Knicks in the first round, defeated the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] in the semifinals, and then swept the defending champion Pistons in the Conference Finals, then winning the [[1991 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]] in five games over the [[Magic Johnson]]-led [[Los Angeles Lakers]].

The Bulls won their second straight title in {{nbafy|1992}} after racking up another franchise record for wins with 67. They swept the [[Miami Heat]] in the first round, defeated the Knicks in seven games in the second round, then the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] in six games in the third round, advancing to the [[1992 NBA Finals|Finals]] for the second year in a row where they defeated the [[Clyde Drexler]]-led [[Portland Trail Blazers]] in six games.

In {{nbafy|1993}}, the Bulls won their third consecutive championship by defeating the [[Atlanta Hawks]], Cleveland Cavaliers and [[New York Knicks]] in the first three rounds of the playoffs and then defeating regular season MVP [[Charles Barkley]] and the [[Phoenix Suns]] in the Finals, with Paxson's three-pointer with 3.9 seconds left giving them a 99–98 victory in Game 6 in Phoenix.

===1993–1995: Jordan's first retirement and the Scottie Pippen era===
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2022}}
[[File:United Center 060716.jpg|thumb|[[United Center]]]]
On October 6, 1993, [[Michael Jordan]] shocked the basketball community by announcing his retirement, three months after his [[James R. Jordan, Sr.|father's murder]]. The Bulls were then led by [[Scottie Pippen]], who established himself as one of the top players in the league by winning the [[1994 NBA All-Star Game|1994 All-Star]] MVP. He received help from [[Horace Grant]] and [[B. J. Armstrong]], who were named to their first all-star games. The three were assisted by [[Bill Cartwright|Cartwright]], [[Will Perdue|Perdue]], shooting guard [[Pete Myers]], and [[Croats|Croatian]] rookie forward [[Toni Kukoč]]. Despite the Bulls winning 55 games during the [[1993–94 NBA season|1993–94 season]], they were beaten in seven games by the Knicks in the second round of [[1994 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]], after a controversial foul call by referee [[Hue Hollins]] in game 5 of that series. The Knicks eventually reached the [[1994 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]] that year, but lost to the [[Houston Rockets]]. The Bulls opened the [[1994–95 NBA season|1994–95 season]] by leaving their home of 27 years, [[Chicago Stadium]], and moving into their current home, the [[United Center]].

In 1994, the Bulls lost Grant, Cartwright and [[Scott Williams (basketball)|Scott Williams]] to free agency, and [[John Paxson]] to retirement, but picked up shooting guard [[Ron Harper]], the seeming heir apparent to Jordan in assistant coach [[Tex Winter]]'s triple-post offense, and small-forward [[Jud Buechler]]. The Bulls started Armstrong and Harper in the backcourt, Pippen and Kukoč at the forward spots, and Perdue at center. They also had sharpshooter [[Steve Kerr]], whom they acquired via free agency before the 1993–94 season, Myers, and centers [[Luc Longley]] (acquired via trade in 1994 from the Minnesota Timberwolves) and [[Bill Wennington]]. However, the Bulls struggled during the season, and on March 18, 1995, they received the news that Michael Jordan was coming out of retirement. He scored 55 points against the Knicks in only his fifth game back, and led the Bulls to the fifth seed in [[1995 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]], where they defeated the Charlotte Hornets. However, Jordan and the Bulls were unable to overcome the eventual Eastern Conference champion [[Orlando Magic]], which included [[Horace Grant]], [[Penny Hardaway]], and [[Shaquille O'Neal]].

In the off-season, the Bulls lost Armstrong in the expansion draft, and Krause traded Perdue to the [[San Antonio Spurs]] for rebounding specialist [[Dennis Rodman]], who had won the past four rebounding titles, and who had also been a member of the [[Detroit Pistons]]' "Bad Boys" squad that served as the Bulls' chief nemesis in the late 1980s.

===1995–1998: Return of Michael Jordan and second championship three-peat===
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With a lineup of Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, Harper and Longley, and perhaps the league's best bench in [[Steve Kerr]], Kukoč, Wennington, Buechler, and guard [[Randy Brown (basketball)|Randy Brown]], the Bulls were seen as the team to win again for the NBA Finals.

The Bulls started their 1995–96 campaign with a 105–91 win over the visiting Hornets. In that game, Michael Jordan recorded 42 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the Bulls.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/game?gameId=151103004 |title=Charlotte Hornets 91 Chicago Bulls 105 |work=ESPN.com |date=November 3, 1995 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630164415/https://www.espn.com/nba/game?gameId=151103004 |url-status=live }}</ref> The next game, they were up against the Boston Celtics. The Bulls scored 35 points in the third quarter as they pulled away against the Celtics, 107–85. Six Bulls players scored in double figures in this win.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=151104004 |title=Boston Celtics 85 Chicago Bulls 107 |work=ESPN.com |date=November 4, 1995 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-date=June 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629125031/https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=151104004 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 1995–96 Bulls posted one of the best single-season improvements in league history and the best single-season record at that time, moving from 47–35 to 72–10, becoming the first NBA team to win 70 or more games.<ref name="1995–96">databasebasketball.com, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160125082214/http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1995&lg=n Chicago Bulls 1995–96 Game Log and Scores]}}. Retrieved January 20, 2007.</ref> Jordan won his eighth scoring title, and Rodman his fifth straight rebounding title, while Kerr finished second in the league in three-point shooting percentage. Jordan garnered the elusive triple crown with the [[NBA MVP]], [[NBA All-Star Game MVP]], and [[NBA Finals MVP]]. Krause was named [[NBA Executive of the Year]], Jackson Coach of the Year, and Kukoč the Sixth Man of the Year. Both Pippen and Jordan made the All-NBA First Team, and Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman made the All-Defensive First Team, making the Bulls one of several teams in NBA history with three players on the All-Defensive First Team.<ref name="All-Defensive">{{cite web |title=All-Defensive Teams |url=http://www.nba.com/history/awards_defensiveteams.html |website=NBA.com |access-date=May 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717145338/http://www.nba.com/history/awards_defensiveteams.html |archive-date=July 17, 2008}}</ref>

[[File:Pres. Clinton & the Chicago Bulls (1997).webm|thumb|upright=1.36|thumbtime=03:01|President [[Bill Clinton]] honoring the Chicago Bulls in 1997]]
In addition, the [[1995–96 NBA season|1995–96]] team holds several other records, including the best road record in a standard 41 road-game season (33–8), the all-time best start by a team (41–3), and the best start at home (37–0). The Bulls also posted the second-best home record in history (39–2), behind only the 1985–86 Celtics 40–1 home mark. The team triumphed over the [[Miami Heat]] in the first round, the [[New York Knicks]] in the second round, the [[Orlando Magic]] in the Eastern Conference Finals and finally [[Gary Payton]], [[Shawn Kemp]] and the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] for [[1996 NBA Finals|their fourth title]]. The 1995–96 Chicago Bulls are widely regarded as one of [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History#Top 10 Teams in NBA History|the greatest teams in the history of basketball]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 10 Teams in NBA History |url=http://www.nba.com/history/toptenteams_index.html |publisher=National Basketball Association |access-date=December 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502092015/http://www.nba.com/history/toptenteams_index.html|archive-date=May 2, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Phil Jackson Lipofsky.JPG|thumb|left|Bulls head coach [[Phil Jackson]] consulting Michael Jordan in 1997]]
In the [[1996–97 NBA season|1996–97 season]], the Bulls missed out on a second consecutive 70-win season by losing their final two games to finish 69–13. They repeated their home dominance, going 39–2 at the United Center.<ref name="1996–97">databasebasketball.com, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160125082249/http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1996&lg=n Chicago Bulls 1996–97 Game Log and Scores]}}. Retrieved January 16, 2007.</ref> The Bulls capped the season by defeating the Bullets, Hawks and Heat in the first three rounds of the playoffs en route to winning their fifth [[1997 NBA Finals|NBA championship]] over [[John Stockton]], [[Karl Malone]] and the [[Utah Jazz]]. Jordan earned his second straight and ninth career scoring title, while Rodman earned his sixth straight rebounding title. Jordan and Pippen, along with [[Robert Parish]], who was a member of the Bulls at the time, were also honored as members of the 50 greatest players of all time with the NBA celebrating its 50th season.<ref>{{cite web |title=The NBA at 50 |url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/50greatest.html |publisher=National Basketball Association |access-date=December 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512124120/http://www.nba.com/history/players/50greatest.html|archive-date=May 12, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Parish, whose single season with the Bulls would be his last year in the league, was nominated for his stellar career with the [[Boston Celtics]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Parish Bio |url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/parish_bio.html |publisher=National Basketball Association |access-date=December 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207134705/http://www.nba.com/history/players/parish_bio.html|archive-date=February 7, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 1997–98 season was one of turmoil for the NBA champion Bulls.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite news |last=Wise |first=Mike |title=N.B.A. Preview '97–'98: End of Line for Dynasty? Aging Bulls to Face Challenge From Several Teams |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/29/sports/nba-preview-97-98-end-line-for-dynasty-aging-bulls-face-challenge-several-teams.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 29, 1997 |access-date=December 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307083655/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/29/sports/nba-preview-97-98-end-line-for-dynasty-aging-bulls-face-challenge-several-teams.html|archive-date=March 7, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Many speculated this would be Michael Jordan's final season with the team.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> Phil Jackson's future with the team was also questionable, as his relationship with team general manager Jerry Krause was one of growing tension. Scottie Pippen was looking for a significant contract extension that he thought he deserved, but was not getting from the organization. In spite of the turmoil that surrounded the Bulls, they still had a remarkable season, with a final regular season record of 62–20. Jordan would be named the league MVP for the fifth and final time, and the Bulls went into the playoffs as the number one seed in the Eastern Conference.

The first round of the playoffs for the Bulls was against the [[New Jersey Nets]], a team led by [[Keith Van Horn]], [[Kendall Gill]] and [[Sam Cassell]]. The Bulls swept the Nets three to nothing in a best of five series. The conference semi-finals were more challenging with the [[Charlotte Hornets]] stealing game two from the Bulls at the United Center, and tying the series 1–1. But the Bulls easily defeated the Hornets in the next three games of the series. The Conference Finals was a challenge for the Bulls as they went up against the [[Reggie Miller]]-led [[Indiana Pacers]]. Experts were of the opinion that the Pacers had the best chance to defeat the Bulls.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> The Pacers gave the Bulls no road wins, winning games 3, 4, and 6, sending the series to a deciding game seven at the United Center. The Bulls prevailed and beat the Pacers 88–83, winning their sixth Eastern Conference title.

In a much-anticipated Finals, The Bulls faced the team they beat the previous year, the Utah Jazz. Led by Karl Malone and John Stockton, the Jazz felt confident that they could defeat the Bulls, winning game one at Utah's [[Delta Center]]. Facing a potential two to nothing deficit, the Bulls won Game 2 at the Delta Center and tied the series. The Bulls returned to the United Center and, by winning the next two games, took a 3–1 series lead. The Jazz won Game 5 by two points, 83–81. Game 6 was a tough battle for both teams. Scottie Pippen left early in the first quarter due to an ongoing back injury. He came back at the start of the second half, and after a trip or two to the locker room to get physical therapy, came back out to finish the game. Late in the game and down by three points to the Jazz, Michael Jordan led the Bulls to one final win. Jordan hit a shot to bring the Bulls within 1, then stole the ball from Karl Malone and hit [[The Last Shot (basketball)|the game winning shot]] with 5.2 seconds remaining on the clock. With a score of 87–86, John Stockton put up a three-pointer, but missed, giving the Bulls their sixth championship in eight years. Jordan would be named the Finals MVP for the sixth time in his career. He retired for the second time on January 13, 1999.

===1998–2008: Post-Jordan era and a decade of struggle===

====1998–2004: The Baby Bulls====
The summer of 1998 marked the end of the Bulls' championship era.<ref name="Kram 2020">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/5/19/21262436/after-the-last-dance-the-bulls-became-a-historic-dumpster-fire |title=After the 'Last Dance,' the Bulls Became a Historic Dumpster Fire |last=Kram |first=Zack |date=19 May 2020 |work=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]] |publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> GM Jerry Krause, citing the team's aging roster, opted to rebuild rather than face decline. He traded Scottie Pippen for minimal returns, let Dennis Rodman walk, and dealt other key players for draft picks.<ref name="Kram 2020"/> Krause also hired coach [[Tim Floyd]] to replace Phil Jackson.<ref name="Kram 2020"/> Michael Jordan announced his second retirement, leaving the Bulls with a new starting lineup featuring Toni Kukoč, who led the team but couldn't prevent a 13-37 record in the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season, which included a record-low 49 points in a game against Miami.<ref name="Kram 2020"/>

Winning the draft lottery provided a highlight, allowing the Bulls to draft [[Elton Brand]]. Despite his stellar rookie season and co-Rookie of the Year honors, injuries and trades left the team floundering at 17-65 in 1999–2000.<ref name="Kram 2020"/> Attempts to attract top free agents failed, and new additions like [[Brad Miller (basketball)|Brad Miller]] and [[Ron Mercer]] didn't improve results, leading to a league-worst 15-67 record the following season.<ref name="Kram 2020"/> Krause shocked fans by trading Brand for [[Tyson Chandler]] and drafting [[Eddy Curry]], both seen as long-term prospects. Without veteran leadership, the team struggled, despite mid-season trades and a coaching change from Floyd to Bill Cartwright, finishing with only 21 wins.

Optimism returned in 2002–03 with the addition of [[Jay Williams (basketball)|Jay Williams]] and a young, talented core, but inconsistency limited progress to 30-52. Krause retired in 2003, and John Paxson became GM. Williams' career was derailed by a motorcycle accident, and Pippen's return was marred by injuries. The 2003–04 season saw setbacks from Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler, leading to Cartwright's firing and [[Scott Skiles]]' hiring.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=29 November 2003 |title=Skiles Is Hired to Coach Bulls |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-nov-29-sp-nbarep29-story.html |newspaper=[[LA Times]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> A major trade shifted the team's strategy to defense, but the Bulls still finished 23-59. [[Kirk Hinrich]] emerged as a fan favorite, earning All-Rookie honors amid another disappointing season.

====2004–2009: Continued rebuilding====
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Between 2004 and 2008, the Chicago Bulls underwent notable roster transformations and fluctuating on-court results in their efforts to rebuild as a competitive team. In the 2004 NBA Draft, General Manager John Paxson acquired [[Ben Gordon]], [[Luol Deng]], and [[Chris Duhon]] while also signing [[Andrés Nocioni]], a gold medalist with Argentina.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/paxson_feature_060921.html |title=Bulls: Construction of a Contender Part I |last=Fluck |first=Adam  |date=20 September 2006 |website=NBA.com |publisher= |access-date=18 November 2024 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/paxson_feature_060925.html |title=Bulls: Construction of a Contender Part II |last=Fluck |first=Adam  |date=25 September 2006 |website=NBA.com |publisher= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222215344/https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/paxson_feature_060925.html |access-date=18 November 2024 |archive-date=December 22, 2009 |quote=}}</ref> Despite beginning the season with nine consecutive losses, the team recovered to finish 47–35, making their first playoff appearance since 1998. However, injuries to Deng and Eddy Curry contributed to a first-round exit against the Washington Wizards. Ben Gordon received the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.

During the 2005 offseason, Curry’s heart condition raised concerns, leading to his trade to the New York Knicks in exchange for [[Michael Sweetney]], [[Tim Thomas (basketball)|Tim Thomas]] and future draft picks.<ref>{{cite news |last=Beck|first=Howard |date=8 October 2005 |title=With Doctors' O.K., Curry Joins the Knicks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/08/sports/basketball/with-doctors-ok-curry-joins-the-knicks.html |work=[[New York Times]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> The Bulls struggled without a significant post presence but managed a 12–2 late-season run, finishing 41–41. They qualified for the playoffs but were defeated by the Miami Heat, who went on to win the championship. Despite the loss, key players gained valuable postseason experience.

In the 2006 NBA Draft, the Bulls traded for [[Tyrus Thomas]] and [[Thabo Sefolosha]] and signed veteran defensive player Ben Wallace to a four-year deal.<ref>{{cite news |author=[[Stephen A. Smith]] |date=4 July 2006 |title=Bulls land Free-Agent Ben Wallace |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/07/04/bulls-land-free-agent-ben-wallace/ |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241118060420/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/07/04/bulls-land-free-agent-ben-wallace/ |archive-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> Tyson Chandler, the last player from the Krause era, was traded to the Hornets.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=6 July 2006 |title=Bulls Trade Chandler |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/06/sports/basketball/06sportsbriefs7.ready.html |work=[[New York Times]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> Chicago recovered from a poor start to finish the season with a 49–33 record. In the playoffs, they swept the defending champion Miami Heat, marking their first series victory since 1998. Their postseason ended in the next round with a 4–2 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

The 2007 offseason brought speculation of major trades involving players like [[Kevin Garnett]], [[Pau Gasol]], and [[Kobe Bryant]], but none materialized.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/94094-ten-years-of-rebuilding-are-the-bulls-in-any-better-shape |title=Ten Years of Rebuilding: Are the Bulls in Any Better Shape? |last=Nitzberg |first=Jacob |date=17 December 2008 |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |publisher= |access-date=18 November 2024 |quote=}}</ref> The Bulls began the 2007–08 season poorly, leading to the dismissal of head coach Scott Skiles in December. Interim coach [[Jim Boylan]] was appointed but could not reverse the team’s fortunes, and they ended the season with a 33–49 record. In a midseason trade, the team acquired [[Drew Gooden]], [[Larry Hughes]], and others in exchange for Ben Wallace and Joe Smith.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date= |title=Bulls deal Wallace, Smith, Griffin, draft pick in three-team trade |url=https://eu.rrstar.com/story/sports/2008/02/21/bulls-deal-wallace-smith-griffin/44627114007/ |work=[[Rockford Register Star]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> Following the season, Boylan was not retained, and the search for a new head coach culminated in the hiring of [[Vinny Del Negro]], a rookie coach supported by experienced assistants [[Del Harris]], [[Bernie Bickerstaff]], and [[Bob Ociepka]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=11 June 2008 |title=Bulls: Suns assistant GM Del Negro hired as coach  |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2008/06/11/bulls-suns-assistant-gm-del-negro-hired-as-coach/ |work=[[Los Angeles Daily News]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref>

===2008–2016: Derrick Rose era===

====2008–2010: Appearance of Derrick Rose====
[[File:Derrick Rose 2.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Derrick Rose]] was drafted first overall by the Bulls in 2008. He was the 2010–11 NBA MVP.]]
With only a slim 1.7% chance of winning the rights to draft first overall, the Bulls won the 2008 [[NBA draft lottery]] and selected first overall.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=K. C. |title=May 20, 2008: With a 1.7% chance, Bulls win the NBA draft lottery |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-2008-bulls-win-nba-draft-lottery-derrick-rose-story.html |website=chicagotribune.com |access-date=June 8, 2020 |date=May 16, 2017 |archive-date=June 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607173806/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-2008-bulls-win-nba-draft-lottery-derrick-rose-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> With this, the Bulls became the team with the lowest chance of winning to ever win the lottery since it was modified for the [[1994 NBA draft]], and second-lowest ever. On June 26, 2008, the Bulls drafted Chicago native [[Derrick Rose]] from the [[University of Memphis]] as the number 1 draft pick, and [[Sonny Weems]] at number 39. The Bulls later traded Weems to the [[Denver Nuggets]] for Denver's 2009 regular second-round draft pick. The Bulls also made several trades, including one that brought [[Ömer Aşık]] to the team. The team re-signed Luol Deng to a six-year deal, although he was sidelined for much of the season due to injury.

In February 2009, the Bulls made multiple trades to strengthen the roster, including a deal with the Sacramento Kings for [[Brad Miller (basketball)|Brad Miller]] and [[John Salmons]], and another with the Oklahoma City Thunder for a first-round pick. These moves helped the team secure a playoff spot, finishing the season at .500 with a 41–41 record. In the playoffs, they faced the Boston Celtics in a dramatic seven-game series. In Game 1, Derrick Rose scored 36 points, along with 11 assists, tying [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]]'s record for most points scored by a rookie in a playoff debut.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/nba/bulls/old-school/a-look-back-at-derrick-roses-historic-playoff-debut-14-years-ago |title=A look back at Derrick Rose's historic playoff debut: "I just thought about it like I was playing in a regular game" |last=Glassbrook |first=Harvey |date=22 April 2023 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |publisher= |access-date=18 November 2024 |quote=}}</ref> After breaking the record for most overtimes played in an [[NBA Playoffs]] Series, the [[Boston Celtics]] managed to overcome the Bulls after 7 games and 7 overtime periods played.<ref>{{cite web |last=Golen |first=Jimmy |date=May 3, 2009 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009050202 |title=OT hold-down: Celtics top Bulls in regulation&nbsp;– NBA&nbsp;– Yahoo! Sports |publisher=Sports.yahoo.com |access-date=August 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506180951/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009050202 |archive-date=May 6, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the 2009 NBA Draft, the Bulls selected [[James Johnson (basketball, born 1987)|James Johnson]] and [[Taj Gibson]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/draft_090629.html |title=Bulls introduce James Johnson and Taj Gibson |last= |first= |date= |website=NBA.com |publisher= |access-date=18 November 2024 |quote=}}</ref> They also lost Ben Gordon to the Detroit Pistons in free agency. The following season, the team made further trades, including sending John Salmons to the Milwaukee Bucks and Tyrus Thomas to the Charlotte Bobcats. The Bulls finished with the eighth seed in the 2010 playoffs but were eliminated in five games by the Cleveland Cavaliers. In May 2010, the team fired head coach Vinny Del Negro.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=4 May 2010 |title=Del Negro Fired as Bulls' Coach |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/sports/04dribble.html |work=[[New York Times]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref>

====2010–2011: Arrival of Tom Thibodeau and Rose's MVP year====
[[File:Tom Thibodeau cropped.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tom Thibodeau]] coached the Bulls to 62 wins in his first season.]]
In early June 2010, [[Boston Celtics]] assistant [[Tom Thibodeau]] accepted a three-year contract to fill the Bulls' head coaching vacancy.<ref>K.C. Johnson, [http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-chicago-bulls-tom-thibodeau-coach,0,4023353.story Thibodeau accepts Bulls' 3-year offer to be their 18th head coach] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100712212034/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-chicago-bulls-tom-thibodeau-coach,0,4023353.story |date=July 12, 2010 }}, ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'', June 5, 2010.</ref> He was officially introduced on June 23.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thibodeau named 18th head coach in franchise history |url=http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/thibodeau_hired_100623.html |publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC |website=Bulls.com |date=June 23, 2010 |access-date=June 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626172904/http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/thibodeau_hired_100623.html|archive-date=June 26, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 7, it was revealed that [[Carlos Boozer]] of the [[Utah Jazz]] had verbally agreed to an $80&nbsp;million, five-year contract. Afterwards, the Bulls traded veteran point guard [[Kirk Hinrich]] to the [[Washington Wizards]] to create more cap space. The Bulls also signed former [[Philadelphia 76ers|76er]] and Jazz sharpshooter [[Kyle Korver]] to a three-year, $15&nbsp;million contract. The same day that the Bulls signed Kyle Korver, they signed Turkish All-Star [[Ömer Aşık]]. After being matched by the [[Orlando Magic]] for [[JJ Redick|J. J. Redick]], they signed their third free agent from the Jazz in the off-season in shooting guard [[Ronnie Brewer]], traded for former [[Golden State Warriors|Warrior]] point guard [[C.J. Watson]], and signed former [[Milwaukee Bucks|Bucks]] power forward [[Kurt Thomas (basketball)|Kurt Thomas]] as well as former [[San Antonio Spurs|Spurs]] player [[Keith Bogans]] and former Celtic [[Brian Scalabrine]].

Rose earned the 2011 NBA MVP Award, thereby becoming the youngest player in NBA history to win it. He became the first Bulls player since [[Michael Jordan]] to win the award. As a team, Chicago finished the regular season with a league-best 62–20 record and clinched the first seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 1998. The Bulls defeated the [[Indiana Pacers]] and the [[Atlanta Hawks]] in five and six games, respectively, thereby reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 1998, and faced the [[Miami Heat]]. After winning the first game of the series, they lost the next four games, ending their season.

====2011–2014: Injury-plagued seasons for Derrick Rose====
The Chicago Bulls underwent significant roster changes and faced challenges between the 2011–2014 seasons, navigating injuries to star players while attempting to remain competitive. In the [[2011 NBA draft]], the Bulls selected [[Jimmy Butler]] with the 30th overall pick.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/bulls-draft-central-2011.html |title=Bulls Draft Central 2011 |last= |first= |date=16 June 2011 |website=NBA.com |publisher= |access-date=18 November 2024 |quote=}}</ref> During the offseason, they signed veteran guard [[Rip Hamilton]] to a three-year deal<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=14 December 2011 |title=Bulls sign free agent guard Richard Hamilton |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/bulls-sign-free-agent-guard-richard-hamilton.html |work=NBA.com |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> and extended Derrick Rose’s contract for five years at $94.8 million. Rose and Luol Deng earned All-Star selections during the 2011–12 season, marking the first Bulls duo in the All-Star game since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Despite Rose missing much of the season due to injuries, the Bulls finished with the NBA's best record (50–16) and secured the Eastern Conference's top seed.

In the first round of the playoffs, Rose tore his ACL during Game 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers, sidelining him for the remainder of the series.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=28 April 2012 |title=Derrick Rose suffers torn ACL, out for the season |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/video-derrick-rose-suffers-knee-injury-vs-sixers-helped-off-the-floor |work=[[NBC Sports]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> Joakim Noah also sustained a foot injury during Game 3.<ref>{{cite news |last=Holz |first=Kevin |date=7 May 2012 |title=NBA Playoffs 2012: How Joakim Noah's Injury Puts an End to the Bulls' Season |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1175128-2012-nba-playoffs-how-joakim-noahs-injury-quickly-puts-an-end-to-bulls-season |work=[[Bleacher Report]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> The Bulls, weakened by these absences, lost the series in six games, becoming one of the few first-seeded teams eliminated by an eighth-seed. Subsequent roster changes saw the departures of key players, including Kyle Korver, [[C.J. Watson]], and [[Ömer Aşık]], while the team added [[Marco Belinelli]], [[Nate Robinson]], and [[Nazr Mohammed]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Matt |date=18 August 2012 |title=NBA Offseason Report: Chicago Bulls  |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-offseason-report-chicago-bulls/ |work=[[CBS Sports]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref>

Rose missed the entire 2012–13 season, yet the Bulls finished 45–37 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs after a seven-game victory over the Brooklyn Nets. They were eliminated by the Miami Heat in five games. During the season, the Bulls snapped both Miami's 27-game winning streak and the New York Knicks' 13-game winning streak, becoming the second team in NBA history to snap two winning streaks of 13 games or more in a season.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=12 April 2013  |title=Chicago Bulls end Knicks' 13-game win streak as Robinson tallies 35 points |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/apr/12/chicago-bulls-new-york-knicks-streak |work=[[The Guardian]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> 

In 2013–14, Rose sustained another significant injury, tearing his medial meniscus just 10 games into the season, sidelining him once again. The Bulls traded Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers midseason, receiving [[Andrew Bynum]] and draft picks in return, though Bynum was immediately waived.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=7 January 2014 |title=Luol Deng traded by Bulls to the Cavaliers for Andrew Bynum |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/07/luol-deng-trade-chicago-bulls-cleveland-cavaliers-andrew-bynum |work=[[The Guardian]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> Despite finishing 48–34 and earning home-court advantage in the playoffs, the Bulls were eliminated in the first round by the Washington Wizards. Joakim Noah was a standout performer, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors, an All-NBA First Team selection, and placing fourth in MVP voting.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zillgitt |first=Jeff |date=2 December 2020 |title=Epic trash-talking, lockdown D and back-to-back titles: Most memorable aspects of Joakim Noah's career |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2020/12/02/joakim-noahs-career-memorable-ncaa-titles-nba/3797215001/ |work=[[USA Today]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref>

During the 2014 offseason, the Bulls made notable moves in the draft and free agency. They traded two first-round picks to acquire [[Doug McDermott]], added [[Cameron Bairstow]] in the second round, and signed veteran star [[Pau Gasol]]. The team also brought over [[Nikola Mirotić]], a EuroLeague talent acquired via a 2011 draft-day trade, and re-signed Kirk Hinrich to bolster the roster.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2014/11/offseason-review-chicago-bulls.html |title=Offseason In Review: Chicago Bulls |last=Myron |first=Chuck |date=20 November 2014 |website= |publisher= |access-date=18 November 2024 |quote=}}</ref>

====2014–2015: Return of Derrick Rose to health and rise of Jimmy Butler====
The 2014–15 season brought renewed optimism to the Chicago Bulls with the return of Derrick Rose, alongside the addition of two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol. The team, bolstered by a deep roster featuring [[Taj Gibson]], [[Nikola Mirotić]], [[Tony Snell (basketball)|Tony Snell]], [[Aaron Brooks (basketball)|Aaron Brooks]], [[Doug McDermott]] and [[Kirk Hinrich]] was considered one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bulls started the season strong, winning seven of their first nine games, although they took notable losses to the Cavaliers and Celtics.

Jimmy Butler's rise as a primary scorer, going from 13 to 20 points per game, was a standout story, positioning him as a candidate for the "Most Improved Player of the Year" award.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/chicago-bulls-jimmy-butler-wins-nba-most-improved-player-050715 |title=Chicago Bulls' Jimmy Butler Most Improved Players |date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=May 28, 2015 |work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510001107/http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/chicago-bulls-jimmy-butler-wins-nba-most-improved-player-050715|archive-date=May 10, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Gasol's consistent double-double performances added significant value, and both Butler and Gasol were selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=9 February 2016 |title=Basketball: Gasol replaces injured Butler in All-Stars Game |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/basketball/nba/basketball-gasol-replaces-injured-butler-in-all-stars-game/2U5ZIPNZXDJHXLE5OTPH3AI7PA/ |work=[[New Zealand Herald]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> Despite this, the Bulls struggled with consistency in the second half of the season, with Rose publicly expressing frustration over the team's lack of cohesion. Tensions between head coach Tom Thibodeau and the front office, led by Gar Forman and John Paxson, also created internal instability.<ref name="Rocky Tenure"/>

The Bulls finished the regular season with a 50–32 record, securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference. In the first round of the playoffs, they faced the Milwaukee Bucks, quickly establishing a 3–0 lead in the series before allowing the Bucks to win two games in a row. However, the Bulls dominated in Game 6, winning by a playoff-record 54 points to advance 4–2. The next round saw a matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James. The Bulls initially shocked the Cavs in Game 1, but Cleveland responded strongly, winning in Game 2. Despite a dramatic Game 3 win by Derrick Rose on a last-second three-pointer, the Bulls were ultimately defeated 4–2, ending their playoff run. Following the series, speculation about Thibodeau's future with the team intensified due to the ongoing tensions with the front office.<ref name="Rocky Tenure">{{cite news |last=Cacciola |first=Scott |date=28 May 2015 |title=Bulls Dismiss Coach Tom Thibodeau and End a Rocky Tenure |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/29/sports/basketball/bulls-fire-coach-tom-thibodeau-after-five-seasons.html |work=[[New York Times]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref>

====2015–2017: Departures of Tom Thibodeau and Derrick Rose====
[[File:Fred Hoiberg 2010 2.jpg|thumb|right|[[Fred Hoiberg]] was the 22nd head coach in the franchise's history.]]
On May 28, 2015, the Bulls fired Tom Thibodeau to seek a "change in approach".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/nba/story/_/id/12968728/chicago-bulls-fire-tom-thibodeau-coach-five-seasons |title=Tom Thibodeau out in Chicago as Bulls seek 'change in approach' |first=Nick |last=Friedell |date=May 28, 2015 |access-date=May 28, 2015 |work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528201141/http://espn.go.com/chicago/nba/story/_/id/12968728/chicago-bulls-fire-tom-thibodeau-coach-five-seasons|archive-date=May 28, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, Fred Hoiberg was named as the new head coach.<ref name="BullsHoiberg">{{cite press release |title=Bulls Name Fred Hoiberg Head Coach |url=http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/release/bulls-name-hoiberg-head-coach |publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC |website=Bulls.com |date=June 2, 2015 |access-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925221511/http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/release/bulls-name-hoiberg-head-coach|archive-date=September 25, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bulls had only one draft pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, selecting center Bobby Portis from the University of Arkansas.<ref>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |date=22 June 2015 |title=Chicago Bulls select Bobby Portis with No. 22 pick in 2015 NBA draft |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2015/06/22/bobby-portis-2015-nba-draft-chicago-bulls |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref>

With forward Mike Dunleavy Jr. sidelined for the first four months of the season due to back surgery, the Bulls promoted Doug McDermott to the starting small forward position. Hoiberg told the media that the move was suggested by Noah himself, but Noah denied having made any suggestions to Hoiberg, which sparked a distrust between the two before the season even began. The Bulls started the 2015–16 season strong with a season-opening victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers and posted an 8–3 record early on; however, they struggled through the middle of the season, eventually losing 12 of their next 17 games. Jimmy Butler was sidelined for four weeks due to a knee injury,<ref>{{cite news |last=Friedell |first=Nick |date=6 February 2016 |title=Jimmy Butler won't return for almost month due to knee strain |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/story/_/id/14726952/chicago-bulls-guard-jimmy-butler-miss-3-4-weeks-knee-strain |work=[[ESPN]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> and despite finishing with a 42–40 record, the Bulls were eliminated from playoff contention, marking the first time in eight years the team had missed the postseason.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Sam |date=11 April 2016 |title=A look at a lost Bulls season after playoff elimination |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/samsmith/look-lost-bulls-season-after-playoff-elimination |work=[[NBC Sports]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref>

In the 2016 offseason, the Bulls underwent significant roster changes. On June 22, 2016, they traded Derrick Rose, Justin Holiday, and a 2017 second-round pick to the New York Knicks in exchange for center [[Robin Lopez]], and point guards [[Jerian Grant]] and [[José Calderón (basketball)|José Calderón]], the latter of whom was later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. In July, the Bulls signed veteran guard [[Rajon Rondo]] and Chicago native [[Dwyane Wade]], bolstering their lineup. Additionally, they acquired 2014 Rookie of the Year [[Michael Carter-Williams]] in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/10/offseason-in-review-chicago-bulls-3.html |title=Offseason In Review: Chicago Bulls |last=Hill  |first=Arthur |date=October 12, 2016 |website=Hoops Rumors |access-date=November 18, 2024 }}</ref>

The team made further moves in February 2017, trading Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott, and a second-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for point guard [[Cameron Payne]], shooting guard [[Anthony Morrow]], and power forward/center [[Joffrey Lauvergne]]. Despite these changes, Jimmy Butler had a standout season, setting several career highs, earning All-Star honors, and being named to the All-NBA third team. The Bulls finished the regular season with a 41–41 record and clinched the eighth seed in the 2017 NBA playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/04/12/bulls-clinch-playoff-berth/ |title=Bulls Clinch Playoff Berth, Will Face Celtics In 1st Round |work=CBS Chicago |date=April 12, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429131013/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/04/12/bulls-clinch-playoff-berth/ |archive-date=April 29, 2017 |access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref> They took a surprising 2–0 series lead over the top-seeded Boston Celtics but ultimately lost the series 4–2.<ref name="2017boston">{{cite news |last=Aschburner |first=Steve |url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/04/29/thomas-celtics-complete-emotional-comeback-over-bulls |title=Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics complete emotional comeback over Chicago Bulls |work=NBA.com |date=April 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429130551/http://www.nba.com/article/2017/04/29/thomas-celtics-complete-emotional-comeback-over-bulls |archive-date=April 29, 2017 |access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref>

===2017–2025: Lavine era===

====2017–2020: Final years of GarPax and rebuilding====
[[File:Zach Lavine 2022.jpg|thumb|Zach Lavine (seen here in 2022) was brought to the Bulls in 2017]]
In June 2017, the Chicago Bulls traded Jimmy Butler and their 2017 first-round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for [[Zach LaVine]], [[Kris Dunn]], and a pick used to select [[Lauri Markkanen]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/nba/bulls/old-school/why-did-the-chicago-bulls-let-jimmy-butler-go |title=Why did the Chicago Bulls let Jimmy Butler go? |last=Glassbrook |first=Harvey |date=26 April 2023 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |publisher= |access-date=18 November 2024 |quote=}}</ref> They also waived [[Rajon Rondo]] and [[Isaiah Canaan]], and allowed [[Michael Carter-Williams]] to enter free agency. [[Justin Holiday]] rejoined the Bulls on a two-year, $9 million contract, while [[Dwyane Wade]] reached a buyout agreement, returning $8 million of his $23.2 million contract.<ref>{{cite news |author=[[Adrian Wojnarowski]] and [[Brian Windhorst]] |date=24 September 2017 |title=Sources: Cavs, Spurs, Heat among Dwyane Wade's top suitors |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20809443/dwyane-wade-chicago-bulls-agree-contract-buyout |work=[[ESPN]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024 |quote=Dwyane Wade, after he agreed to a buyout agreement with the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, sources told ESPN.com. Wade agreed to leave about $8 million of his $23.8 million salary on the table after talks between the two sides about a resolution intensified ahead of Monday's start of training camp.}} </ref>

On October 17, 2017, a fight broke out between [[Bobby Portis]] and [[Nikola Mirotić]] during practice. Portis punched Mirotić in the face, causing a concussion and facial fractures.<ref name="MiroticTrade">{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=K.C. |title=Bulls trade Nikola Mirotic to Pelicans for 1st round pick and 3 players |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-spt-bulls-trade-nikola-mirotic-pelicans-20180201-story.html |website=chicagotribune.com |access-date=February 23, 2018 |date=February 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051148/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-spt-bulls-trade-nikola-mirotic-pelicans-20180201-story.html|archive-date=February 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Portis was suspended eight games,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sykes II |first1=Michael D. |title=Bobby Portis suspended 8 games for punching teammate Nikola Mirotic in face |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2017/10/18/16497832/bobby-portis-suspended-apology-bulls-fight-nikola-mirotic |website=SBNation.com |access-date=February 23, 2018 |date=October 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051523/https://www.sbnation.com/2017/10/18/16497832/bobby-portis-suspended-apology-bulls-fight-nikola-mirotic|archive-date=February 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>  and Mirotić missed 23 games. The incident led to Mirotić being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in February 2018 for a first-round draft pick and [[Ömer Aşık]], [[Tony Allen (basketball)|Tony Allen]], and [[Jameer Nelson]].<ref>{{cite news |author=[[Adrian Wojnarowski]] |date=1 February 2018 |title=Pelicans acquire Nikola Mirotic for three players, first-round pick |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22287175/new-orleans-pelicans-acquire-nikola-mirotic-chicago-bulls |work=[[ESPN]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> The Bulls finished the 2017-18 season with a 27–55 record.<ref>Anon, [https://abc7chicago.com/sports/nba-draft-lottery-bulls-get-7th-pick-in-draft/3478143/ "2018 NBA Draft Lottery results: Chicago Bulls to pick 7th in NBA Draft, Suns get top pick"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704215937/https://abc7chicago.com/sports/nba-draft-lottery-bulls-get-7th-pick-in-draft/3478143/ |date=July 4, 2020 }}, [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]], May 16, 2018.</ref>

In 2018, the Bulls drafted [[Wendell Carter Jr.]] and [[Chandler Hutchison]], and re-signed Zach LaVine to a four-year, $78 million deal. They also signed [[Jabari Parker]] to a two-year, $40 million contract. After a poor start to the 2018-19 season, [[Fred Hoiberg]] was fired and replaced by [[Jim Boylen]]. In February 2019, Bobby Portis, Jabari Parker, and a second-round pick were traded for [[Otto Porter]]. The Bulls ended the season with a 22-60 record, missing the playoffs.

In 2019, the Bulls selected [[Coby White]] and signed veterans [[Tomáš Satoranský]] and [[Thaddeus Young]]. After the COVID-19 disruption, [[Artūras Karnišovas]] became the Bulls' executive vice president, and [[Marc Eversley]] was hired as general manager.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Seligman |first1=Andrew |title=Karnisovas sets course to boost Bulls toward ultimate prize |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/bulls-fire-forman-announce-karnisovas-hire-reassign-paxson-70122178 |website=ABC News |access-date=April 14, 2020 |date=April 13, 2020 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630104213/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/bulls-fire-forman-announce-karnisovas-hire-reassign-paxson-70122178 |url-status=live }}</ref>  Jim Boylen was fired, and [[Billy Donovan]] became head coach in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bulls fire head coach Jim Boylen after 2 seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29660386/bulls-fire-head-coach-jim-boylen-2-seasons |access-date=August 14, 2020 |work=ESPN.com |date=August 14, 2020 |archive-date=August 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814221512/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29660386/bulls-fire-head-coach-jim-boylen-2-seasons |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29947235/billy-donovan-reaches-agreement-next-bulls-coach|title=Chicago Bulls hire Billy Donovan as coach to replace Jim Boylen|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian|publisher=ESPN|date=September 23, 2020|access-date=November 29, 2022|archive-date=May 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522172106/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29947235/billy-donovan-reaches-agreement-next-bulls-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bulls drafted [[Patrick Williams (basketball)|Patrick Williams]] with the fourth overall pick.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/features/bulls-select-patrick-williams-florida-state-no-4|title=The Bulls select Patrick Williams from Florida State at No. 4|last=Smith|first=Sam|date=November 18, 2020|access-date=November 29, 2022|website=NBA.com|publisher=NBA|archive-date=November 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108045621/https://www.nba.com/bulls/features/bulls-select-patrick-williams-florida-state-no-4|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2021, the Bulls traded for [[Nikola Vučević]] and [[Al-Farouq Aminu]], sending [[Wendell Carter Jr]], Otto Porter and draft picks to Orlando.<ref>{{cite news |last=Patt |first=Jason |date=6 June 2022 |title=Revisiting The Chicago Bulls' Blockbuster Trade For Nikola Vucevic |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonpatt/2022/05/31/revisiting-the-chicago-bulls-blockbuster-trade-for-nikola-vucevic/ |work=[[Forbes]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> Despite these moves, the Bulls finished the 2020-21 season with a 31-41 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

====2021–2024: DeRozan-Lavine duo====
[[Image:DeMar DeRozan 2022.jpg|thumb|DeMar DeRozan at the 2022 All-Star game]]
In the 2021 offseason, the Chicago Bulls made several notable moves aimed at improving their roster. They selected [[Ayo Dosunmu]] with the 38th pick in the second round of the NBA Draft, traded for [[Lonzo Ball]] from the New Orleans Pelicans,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bulls officially acquire Lonzo Ball in sign-and-trade with Pelicans|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/bulls-officially-acquire-lonzo-ball-sign-trade-pelicans/|access-date=November 24, 2021|website=Sportsnet.ca|archive-date=November 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124195559/https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/bulls-officially-acquire-lonzo-ball-sign-trade-pelicans/|url-status=live}}</ref> and signed free agent [[Alex Caruso]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bulls Sign Alex Caruso|url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/bulls-sign-alex-caruso|access-date=November 24, 2021|website=Chicago Bulls|archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121015522/https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/bulls-sign-alex-caruso|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bulls also received [[DeMar DeRozan]] from the San Antonio Spurs, giving up [[Thaddeus Young]], [[Al-Farouq Aminu]], and draft picks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bulls Acquire DeMar DeRozan|url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/bulls-acquire-demar-derozan|access-date=November 24, 2021|website=Chicago Bulls|archive-date=March 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307033654/https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/bulls-acquire-demar-derozan|url-status=live}}</ref>

DeRozan’s performance in late December 2021, including back-to-back buzzer-beaters against the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards, briefly captured the spotlight. Despite this, the Bulls’ overall play remained inconsistent. Although DeRozan earned an All-Star selection and LaVine joined him as a reserve, the team struggled to maintain momentum.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2022 NBA All-Stars starters revealed|website=[[NBA.com]]|url=https://www.nba.com/news/2022-all-star-starters-revealed|access-date=February 4, 2022|archive-date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128011733/https://www.nba.com/news/2022-all-star-starters-revealed|url-status=live}}</ref> They finished the season in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Milwaukee Bucks in five games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bulls clinch playoff berth for first time in five years despite loss to Bucks |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/gameday/bulls-clinch-playoff-berth-first-time-five-years-despite-loss-bucks |access-date=May 5, 2022 |website=Chicago Bulls |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505181256/https://www.nba.com/bulls/gameday/bulls-clinch-playoff-berth-first-time-five-years-despite-loss-bucks |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bulls Eliminated From Playoffs as Milwaukee Bucks Coast to Victory |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/chicago-bulls-eliminated-from-playoffs-as-milwaukee-bucks-coast-to-victory/2818601/ |access-date=May 5, 2022 |website=NBC Chicago |date=April 28, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505181256/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/chicago-bulls-eliminated-from-playoffs-as-milwaukee-bucks-coast-to-victory/2818601/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 

In the 2022 offseason, the Bulls re-signed LaVine to a five-year, $215.2 million contract (the largest in franchise history)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/news/zach-lavine-2022-nba-free-agency |title=Zach LaVine signs 5-year max contract with Bulls |last=Seligman |first=Andrew |date=10 July 2022 |website=NBA.com |publisher= |access-date=18 November 2024 |quote=}}</ref> and selected [[Dalen Terry]] in the draft.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mahanty |first=Sourav |date=30 September 2024 |title=Chicago Bulls Make Bold Dalen Terry Contract Decision |url=https://athlonsports.com/nba/bulls-news/chicago-bulls-make-bold-dalen-terry-contract-decision |work= |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref> They also signed [[Patrick Beverley]] mid-season in an attempt to reignite their playoff hopes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Donovan praises Beverley's competitive spirit |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/bulls-billy-donovan-praises-patrick-beverleys-competitiveness |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=RSN |date=February 23, 2023 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309194711/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/bulls-billy-donovan-praises-patrick-beverleys-competitiveness |url-status=live }}</ref> However, despite some individual success, the team’s lack of consistency persisted. The Bulls finished 40–42 in the 2022–23 season and earned a spot in the play-in tournament, beating the Toronto Raptors in a bittersweet win for Derozan, before they were again eliminated by the Miami Heat.

The 2023 offseason saw the Bulls trade for the 35th pick in the draft and select Julian Philips, while also re-signing Vucevic and Coby White. The Bulls finished with a 39–43 record, once again securing a play-in spot. After defeating the Atlanta Hawks, they were eliminated by the Miami Heat in the second game, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=20 April 2024 |title=Arturas Karnisovas vows change after Bulls miss playoffs again |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/story/_/id/39983443/arturas-karnisovas-vows-change-bulls-miss-playoffs-again |work=[[ESPN]] |location= |access-date=18 November 2024}} </ref>

==== 2024-present: DeRozan and LaVine departures ====
[[DeMar DeRozan]] signed with the [[Sacramento Kings]] as part of a three-team sign-and-trade deal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kings to land DeMar DeRozan in 3-team sign-and-trade deal |url=https://www.nba.com/news/demar-derozan-free-agency |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=NBA.com |language=en}}</ref> The team also traded [[Alex Caruso]] to the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] for [[Josh Giddey]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-20 |title=Bulls trade Caruso to OKC, get Giddey in return |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/40396291/bulls-trading-alex-caruso-thunder-josh-giddey-sources |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> [[Andre Drummond]] signed with the [[Philadelphia 76ers|Sixers]]. In the draft, [[Matas Buzelis]] was taken by the Bulls 11th overall.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA 2024 Draft Prospects {{!}} Matas Buzelis {{!}} NBA.com |url=https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/matas-buzelis |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=www.nba.com}}</ref> After two missed seasons, [[Lonzo Ball]] made his return to the court.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-17 |title=Ball scores 10 in return; rehab 'all behind me now' |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/41840410/lonzo-ball-scores-10-return-says-rehab-all-now |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> On February 2, 2025, the team traded [[Zach LaVine]] to the Sacramento Kings for [[Zach Collins]], [[Tre Jones]], [[Kevin Huerter]] and their own 2025 first round pick from [[San Antonio Spurs]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=3 February 2025 |title=De'Aaron Fox headed to Spurs, Zach LaVine to Kings in 3-team trade |url=https://www.nba.com/news/deaaron-fox-trade-kings-spurs-bulls-zach-lavine-3-team-deal |work=NBA.com |location= |publisher= |access-date=4 February 2025}}</ref>
The Bulls finished the season with 39-43 recorded, placing them 9th in the Eastern Conference. Which earned them spot in the play-in tournament where they go on to lose to the Miami Heat for third consecutive year and missing playoffs once again.