The Chicago Bulls are expanding their front office and scouting structure ahead of a pivotal 2026 offseason, adding two executives with shared history in New Orleans, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto.
Scotto reported on Thursday, June 4, that Chicago is hiring Alex Kaufman as general manager of the Windy City Bulls and Jarrett Sutton as a scout. Both previously worked within the New Orleans Pelicans organization alongside Bulls executive Bryson Graham for six years.
The moves come as Chicago prepares for a critical draft cycle after finishing the 2025–26 season with a 31–51 record. The franchise sits at a crossroads, with roster construction and asset management under increased scrutiny.
Internal discussions around the 2026 NBA Draft have centered on flexibility and positioning. The Bulls currently hold the No. 4 pick, but league reporting has indicated interest in moving higher or acquiring additional lottery capital through trade mechanisms.
The draft class is widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent years, led by projected top prospects AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, followed by high-end talents such as Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, and Darius Acuff Jr. That depth has increased the value of multiple lottery selections across the league.
Chicago’s reported willingness to absorb unwanted contracts is tied directly to that strategy. Taking on salary in exchange for draft assets has become a common method for teams seeking rapid retooling in a high-upside draft environment.
Offensively, the Bulls showed developmental progress despite their record. Josh Giddey averaged 17.0 points and 9.1 assists per game, while Matas Buzelis posted 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds across an expanded role. Collin Sexton contributed 17.5 points per game, and Anfernee Simons added perimeter scoring in limited action.
With the NBA Draft scheduled for June 23–24 at Barclays Center, league attention continues to focus on whether the Bulls will remain at No. 4 or escalate its pursuit of additional lottery positioning in a draft cycle expected to reshape multiple franchises.
