Q&A: The Bigs Insider Drew Stevens Shares Thoughts on Recent Bulls’ Front Office Contract Extensions

What was your reaction to receiving the news that AKME (Artūras Karmišovas and Marc Eversley) had been extended despite their shortcomings?

Drew Stevens: Given ownership’s history of giving its executives long runways and Marc Stein’s reporting that the Bulls are working on extending Billy Donovan, extensions for Artūras Karmišovas and Marc Eversley seemed to be formalities. With that said, I was pretty numb.

Were there any details given about their contract extensions? They seemed to be lined up with Billy Donovan. Do you think that’s done on purpose?

Stevens: The length of their contracts is still unknown at this time. But it’s probably safe to assume it’ll line up with that given to Billy Donovan. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee Donovan’s deal, nor its specific details, will be publicized.

The amount of secrecy seems unnecessary since the court of public opinion has zero say in decisions within the organization. Assuming we get some sort of timeline in the future about their deals, do you think the Bulls will be an over .500 win team by the time AKME is due for another round of extensions?

Stevens: You set the bar low, Alejandro. But seeing as how the Bulls have enjoyed just one winning season since this front office has taken over, I can’t say I blame you. Between the development of their younger players and the success they may find with their style of play during the regular season, I think the Bulls will climb above the 41-win threshold within the next three years. I’m not as bullish on them being a team that can advance past the first round of the playoffs within that time frame, however.

I was born in the post-dynasty era, so hoping for even a playoff series feels like a pipe dream. (lol) Last one, was this the first time you broke a story? If so, how does it feel? When can we expect the next one (lol)?

Stevens: This is my first time being in this position. It was a bit nerve-wracking, if I’m being totally honest. I had an irrational feeling of something going sideways, even though I made sure to cross my T’s and dot my I’s. It feels good to not only contribute to the beat and the news cycle, but also to have the spotlight shine on “The Bigs.” Particularly in a city with big-brand media outlets. As far as when to expect me to break another news story, your guess is as good as mine (wink emoji).

(This interview was edited for length and clarity.)

Stevens currently covers the Chicago Bulls for “The Bigs,” the only independent credentialed sports media outlet in Chicago, and is the co-host of CHSN’s "By the Horns" Podcast alongside Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson. In the most recent episode, Johnson revealed that Karnisovas and Eversley’s extensions run through the 2027-28 season; they were received shortly after the end of the 2024-25 season, and Donovan’s extension is speculated to align with that of the front office personnel.