Four steps Bulls must take this offseason to escape NBA purgatory

However, the former UNC standout was the Bulls' sole source of offense far too often, which led to yet another losing season in Chicago.

For the Bulls to take the next step toward title contention, they will need to find a backcourt mate to alleviate pressure off their former lottery pick. 

Bulls can't afford to break the bank on Josh Giddey extension

Giddey was a pleasant surprise for Chicago last season. While many believed the Thunder got the better end of the Alex Caruso-Giddey trade swap with Chicago, Giddey wound up being one of the Bulls' most consistent performers. 

Following the All-Star break, the 22-year-old guard nearly averaged a triple-double (21.2 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 9.3 APG) while making 45.7 percent of his three-pointers.

Now, the 6-foot-8 Aussie looks to score a new contract in free agency.

Despite his strong showing in the second half, the Bulls shouldn't overextend themselves during negotiations with Giddey. 

A breakout season will inflate his price, but the Bulls hold restricted free agency rights, allowing them to match any offer. 

Ultimately, the Bulls should allow the league to dictate Giddey's market and wait for other teams to make an offer first, ensuring they aren't bidding against themselves. 

Acquire an athletic rim protector

Since arriving in Chicago, Nikola Vucevic has been a staple in the starting lineup. Through five seasons with the Bulls, the Swiss center has been a double-double machine, averaging 18.2 points and 10.7 rebounds. 

Despite his production, Vucevic is no longer a good fit in Chicago, as his lack of speed and athleticism hinders the Bulls' up-tempo style of play. Plus, his deficiency as a rim protector has been a visible drawback for the team, especially when paired in the frontcourt with Giddey.

For the Bulls to inch closer to their championship aspirations, they need to acquire an athletic big man who can protect the rim.

Perhaps they could kick the tires on Hornets center Mark Williams, who was nearly traded to the Lakers last season. They could also pursue Knicks big Mitchell Robinson, who will be a free agent this summer.

Land a difference-maker in the NBA Draft

The Bulls entered the All-Star break with a 22-33 record and seemed destined for a high pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. 

However, the team went 15-5 to close out the season, earning a spot in the play-in tournament and dashing its chances of getting a top-five pick. 

Despite not owning a top-five pick, landing an impact player in the NBA Draft is essential for the Bulls this offseason.

Even if it requires them to trade up, the Bulls must acquire a franchise cornerstone in the draft. It's been over a decade since the team drafted a future All-Star -- Jimmy Butler in 2011 -- and the team desperately needs to buck the trend of selecting mediocre players in the first round.