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Matas Buzelis Offers A Telling Take On Billy Donovan — And It’s Hard To Ignore

By
Ryan Dauterive
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Mar 28, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks with forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The two most commonly spotted names in the Chicago Bulls news waves over the last six weeks have been Matas Buzelis and Billy Donovan. Buzelis, displaying a breakout sophomore season, is the most important asset on which all future moves will revolve. Donovan, per Joe Cowley, might be gone after the next eight games. Despite those reports, the head coach plans to meet with ownership, has given no quotes indicating he’s indeed moving on or contemplating it, and if it were up to the one player whose opinion should be factored in, he might not be leaving. Here was Buzelis’s reaction to the only coach he’s had in the NBA potentially moving on, and what he has signified in his journey.

Full Endorsement From Buzelis

This is no surprise. In his two seasons at the professional level, Buzelis has been one of the most respectful, loyal, and genuine players in the face of the media and in support of his own. Whether it was the slew of trade rumors tied to nearly any teammate he’s had in Chicago or having to react to the media trying to fish a polarizing answer out of him when he was being benched early in his rookie campaign for simple mistakes, the youngster has never wavered.

“He’s been everything, man, He’s been a role model to me; he’s someone I look up to as a person, as a human being. He’s a guy that’s been a cornerstone for me. He’s pushed me to my limits, and he’s going to keep pushing me until I can’t be pushed anymore… I can’t thank somebody like that enough. He tells you the truth every time. It’s hard to do that, especially in this league, to have someone in your corner that is going to tell you everything you need to hear.”

Matas Buzelis via Joe Cowley of Chicago Sun-Times

Out of the staggering 27 players who have played minutes this season for the Bulls, the 21-year-old emerging star is the only one to have played over 64. He’s been the most consistent, exciting, and improved asset on the roster and has quickly become a fan favorite. If he’s got any say in the matter, Donovan might not be done in Chicago.

Perfect Rebuild Coach

Even though the 60-year-old Donovan has several reasons not to embark on a rebuild, he is the ideal man for the job. His rise to fame came at the college level, where he won back-to-back NCAA Tournament titles with the University of Florida, and at the professional level, he led the young trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook to a Western Conference Finals appearance in his first year, followed by four more postseason appearances in a row. His specialty has always been developing, installing, and evolving his set of core values over several years, three things the Chicago Bulls sorely need. While the sledding has been tough thus far in his tenure with the franchise, the argument should shift to why he’s not being supplied with the tools necessary to do the job. If anyone departs this summer, fans would agree it should be Arturas Karnisovas and his front office staff.

Do the Bulls opt to push all their chips into the AK or the Donovan basket, and how does this affect Buzelis’s rapid growth in future years? Who would get your vote to help guide and build the next generation of Chicago Bulls hoops?

Tyrique Stevenson Trade Rumor Heating Up — And Why It Makes Sense

By
Erik Lambert
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tyrique stevenson
Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA;Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) practices before the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears have gone silent ahead of the NFL draft. They are focused on pro days and 30 visits. Free agency moves have stopped, and there hasn’t been much buzz on the trade market since the Maxx Crosby option died. However, that doesn’t mean Bears general manager Ryan Poles isn’t making and receiving calls, getting a sense of what the market looks like. Trades often happen right before the draft, so it’s possible the Bears might look ot acquire or unload somebody. Enter Tyrique Stevenson.

There is no question that the former 2nd round cornerback is in an awkward spot. After beginning 2025 in the starting lineup, he saw his playing time drastically reduced as Jaylon Johnson, Nahshon Wright, and Kyler Gordon got more snaps. It wasn’t clear why this occurred. There were assumptions about work ethic issues. Stevenson has a reputation for getting too easily distracted. Whatever the case, his status for 2026 feels like limbo, and now the trade rumors are picking up. Bleacher Report was the latest to deliver one.

Chiefs Trade for Tyrique Stevenson to Rebuild Secondary

This offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs lost two of their primary starting cornerbacks from the previous year. They traded All-Pro Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams and allowed Jaylen Watson to walk; he also signed with the Rams.

Because of those key departures, the Chiefs’ cornerback room needs help. Kansas City may be able to land Tyrique Stevenson in a deal with the Chicago Bears.

Stevenson is entering the final year of his rookie deal. So, the Bears could consider trading the talented cover man if they don’t plan to sign him to an extension before he hits free agency in 2027.

The logic of this Tyrique Stevenson trade is obvious.

Kansas City took a considerable hit to its secondary by trading Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles. While they are an organization with a strong track record for drafting cornerbacks, the truth is that it may take time. In the interim, it might be wise to find a veteran who can serve as a reliable stopgap until they can find the next guy. Stevenson fits their type. He’s big, tough, physical, and athletic. The obvious uncertainty is whether the Bears feel they can unload him. Johnson and Gordon suffered injury setbacks last year. Wright left in free agency. Terell Smith is coming off a knee injury. Zah Frazier is completely untested.

This would depend on the Bears’ confidence that they can find help at the position in the event they do trade Tyrique Stevenson. Chicago and Kansas City have already done similar business in the past. Everybody remembers the Joe Thuney trade last year. It wouldn’t be much of a challenge to put together a Stevenson trade. Given his track record and contract status, the Bears would be looking at a day three pick. Most likely a 5th or 6th rounder at most.

Don’t expect action before the draft.

The hard truth is the Bears are in a position to trade Tyrique Stevenson right now. There are too many variables involved. However, that could change after the draft. If they end up selecting a cornerback in the first three rounds, that will give them the depth and flexibility to unload him. There is no telling where things will go. Planning to draft a position and actually drafting one are two different things. We saw that unfold last year at running back with the board forcing the Bears to wait until the 7th round.

Poles loves drafting cornerbacks. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen puts a premium on that position in his system. The Bears haven’t yet invested a high pick on a player he might covet. All three of their top corners were drafted before Allen arrived, including Stevenson. He may wish to secure players he evaluated himself, which isn’t uncommon for coaches. We already know his thoughts on Stevenson based on the playing time allocation. A trade feels almost inevitable.

With A 76.6% Chance Of This Draft Slot — Chicago’s List Of Prospects Is Clear

By
Ryan Dauterive
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Mar 27, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) dribbles in the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

With last night’s loss, the Chicago Bulls nearly locked their draft positioning. The headlines only noted that they’re now officially eliminated from playoff contention, but fans in the Windy City have known this for several weeks. The most important thing to follow over the next three weeks is solidifying their draft lottery odds, which are nearly set depending on the Milwaukee Bucks’ finish to the year and the Portland Trail Blazers’ underdog story. Barring anything completely changing course down the stretch, they’ll hold the ninth or tenth-best odds in the lottery. If they end up selecting in that range, here are the top options for the pick, and what an extra selection via Portland would mean.

Chicago’s Pool Of Players In The Draft

With nearly an 80% chance to pick in either slot nine or ten, it’s fairly simple to hone in on who AK will have to choose from. With such a top-heavy draft class, regardless of the ending order of picks, this is a realistic preview of who will still be available.

Top Four: Pick your own order, but the majority of mock drafts have these elite talents gone by pick five. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson, barring injury, will be the first four off the board.

Next Two Locks: Again, the order of teams selecting may alter the exact order, but the large majority of predictions show that these two players will also be gone by Chicago’s eighth or ninth pick. Kingston Flemings and Darius Acuff have flown up the charts, and whether it’s sneaking into the top-four or being grabbed in the five through seven range, these two star guards are sure to be selected prior to the Bulls.

Chicago’s Wheelhouse: The next chunk of players is where the Bulls will have a decision to make. There’s a grouping of players that’re sure to go in the top ten, but doubtful to crack the top six. Nate Ament, Mikel Brown Jr., Brayden Burries, Keaton Wagler, and Koa Peat. If Arturas Karnisovas opts solely for the most talented players remaining, one of them will be selected. If he drafts for positional need, a center will be added to this list.

Clinging To A 20.2% Chance At The Top Four

While all signs point to the Bulls likely near the end of the top-ten in the upcoming draft, there is an outside chance they’re granted some good fortune and drawn to select in the top-four. This would be the biggest celebration in Chicago this decade, and it means one of the franchise-altering prospects in the draft is headed to help revive the historic organization. Last time they were awarded a top-five pick, Karnisovas made one of the worst decisions in Bulls draft day history, grabbing Patrick Williams from Florida State. Should he be trusted with another premium top-end pick, or does lottery luck trigger a front office overhaul?

If Portland can complete the Cinderella story and qualify for the Western Conference playoffs, they’d owe their first-round selection to the Chicago Bulls. This would mean adding another pick, likely in the 15-18 range, to accelerate the rebuild. This raises the same question as a top-four pick would: should AK be trusted with two first-rounders?

The Charlotte Knights Are Shaping Up To Be A Juggernaut

By
Craig Rowland
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Jul 12, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; American League pitcher Noah Schultz (22) of the Chicago White Sox stand on the mound during the sixth inning against National League at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The White Sox have not gotten off to a great start in the 2026 season, as they are 0-2 and haven’t really been competitive in either game. I understand that it has only been two games so far, but the team was supposed to be much better than the last few years and that has certianly not been the case to start the new season.

However, there is still some hope, as the Charlotte Knights have gotten off to a great start. This should get fans excited, as they have been boosted by some fantastic performances by the White Sox top prospects.

The Knights feature an insane starting rotation, as they have Hagen Smith, Noah Schultz, Tanner McDougal, Duncan Davitt, and Jonathan Cannon. Three of these guys are top-100 on a lot of lists. Most minor league teams don’t have this kind of rotation.

The top three have given the Knights a huge boost, as each got off to a great start to the 2026 season. On Friday, Hagen Smith threw three innings of one run ball, striking out four, while walking one.

Noah Schultz piggybacked Smith and looked just as good, if not better. In four hitless innings, Schultz struck out five batters while just walking one. This was very good to see after an up and down year 2025 season.

If that wasn’t enough, McDougal took the bump on Saturday and also had himself a great start. In four innings, he gave up two hits, one run, while striking out eight. He did walk four batters, but he was pretty much untouchable outside of that.

This trio is going to dominate AAA for as long as the White Sox let them, as if they keep this up over the next few months, they will find themselves doing this for the big league club. It may come even sooner if the White Sox pitching staff continues to struggle.

Outside of the pitching, the Knights also feature some very intriguing prospects like Sam Antonacci and William Bergolla, who both have been key contributors over the first two games. They are going to be a tough 1-2 punch at the top of the Knights lineup.

Additionally, the Knights have some very intriguing players that are no longer considered prospects. They have Jarred Kelenic, Drew Romo, LaMonte Wade Jr., Oliver Dunn, Tanner Murray, and Darren Baker among others. If the White Sox continue to scuffle, the Knights may the team in the White Sox organization to tune into.

Former Bears QB Austin Reed Ended Stellar UFL Debut With Diabolical Trash Talk Moment

By
Erik Lambert
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austin reed
Aug 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Austin Reed (16) celebrates after a score against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears used to never be able to find quality quarterbacks late in the draft or undrafted free agency. That was something only other organizations can do. Now, all of a sudden, they seem to have developed a sharp eye for talent in that regard. It started with Tyson Bagent, a Division II star who has developed into one of the NFL’s best backups. Then, in 2024, they signed Austin Reed out of Western Kentucky. The young quarterback had put up a ridiculous 8,086 yards and 71 touchdowns in his two years as a starter. He followed that with a strong preseason, earning a spot on the Bears’ practice squad.

He made it through another training camp with the team in 2025 before being waived, forced out by the arrival of veteran Case Keenum. Rather than trying to battle his way onto another roster, Reed decided to take his chances in the United Football League, joining the Dallas Renegades franchise. He won the starting job, earning the chance to showcase what he could do on opening day against the Houston Gamblers. What followed was one of the best debuts in league history.

Austin Reed left no doubts about his ability.

He finished with 376 yards and three touchdowns on the afternoon, guiding Dallas to an easy 36-17 victory. Keep in mind that most of those numbers were achieved well before the start of the 4th quarter. Reed took his foot off the gas. He could’ve had way more. That didn’t stop him from laying down one of the nastiest trash-talking moments of the season. Late in the 3rd quarter, Gamblers defensive end Malik Fisher managed to get Reed down for a sack. He immediately started getting mouthy.

The quarterback responded with this clapback.

Ouch. There is a reason that some of the best trash-talk moments involve players simply speaking the truth. Austin Reed could’ve easily fired off something personal, insulting the guy’s haircut or mother. That wasn’t necessary. Reminding Fisher that his supposed big defensive play came after his defense had already allowed 33 points was more than enough. It wasn’t the start Houston wanted. They had a big rebound year in 2025, going 5-5 after ending 2024 with a dismal 1-9 record. It was hoped this season would be their breakthrough.

Reed certainly drew media attention.

While the UFL might not be anywhere near the same level as the NFL, it has often proven to be a great feeder league. Lots of players who flourished there have earned opportunities in the NFL, particularly quarterbacks. Adrian Martinez, Luis Perez, and Alex McGough are some recent examples. If Reed can maintain this hot start into a successful season, there is no doubt he will get some phone calls from pro teams seeking backup help. It might not lead to the big-time starter opportunity, but it would be a significant pay bump. UFL quarterbacks earn around $100,000. NFL backups earn a minimum of $885,000.

Don’t say it would be a lateral move. Far from it.

Reed is fighting to secure his financial future. Getting to actually play is part of why he decided to join the UFL. Every self-respecting athlete wants to play the game they love. However, that isn’t the only motive. There is lots of money involved if they perform well. While the Bears weren’t able to keep him around, they at least helped get him noticed upon entering the NFL. Now he is following in the footsteps of other quarterbacks who never felt they were above playing in a “second-rate” league.

White Sox Quietly Get Lucky With Unexpected Waiver Result

By
Craig Rowland
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Mar 19, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Korey Lee against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The White Sox were busy right before Opening Day, as they finalized their roster and made some surprising moves, including DFA’ing Curtis Mead and Korey Lee. The White Sox were able to get some solid value out of Mead, as they got a very intriguing player in Boston Smith.

After it was announced that Lee was not going to be on the Opening Day roster, many people were surprised, as he had a very good Spring Training. It was even more shocking due to the fact that their main catcher, Kyle Teel, was going to miss the first few weeks of the regular season due to an injury he sustained in the World Baseball Classic.

Post announcement, it was up in the air whether Lee would still be in the White Sox organization. Since he was out of options, Lee had to be designed for assignment, which would subject him to waivers. This could have opened up a potential trade or claim with another team. Many people believed that Lee could be moved, as catching is at a premium these days and Lee certainly is better than most backup catchers currently in the major leagues.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Lee cleared waivers and will join the Charlotte Knights roster. This is a bit shocking, as for some reason, no teams took a flier on him to see what he could do with their team. What makes it even more odd is the fact that Lee had a pretty good Spring Training, as he hit .289 with two homeruns and six RBIs.

Regardless of how surprising it may be, this is a huge win for the White Sox organization, as Lee is a more than capable backup catcher and could certainly start if there is an injury at the major league level. To be able to keep him in the organization is a huge win, as there is a reason why he was a first round pick and why some baseball media outlets had him as a top-100 prospect prior to his debut.

Lee had a solid 2025 campaign, as he hit .257 with a .333 OBP, adding one homerun and three RBIs in just 25 major league games. Lee also played very well in AAA, as he hit .255 with eight homeruns and 28 RBIs. Unfortunately for Lee, he was injured for most of the season, so he didn’t get in too many games. Due to this, Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero hopped over him on the depth chart. However, even with the injury to Kyle Teel, the White Sox opted to sign Reese McGuire to help out Quero until Teel returns.

Lee has one of the best pop times in the major leagues, so I am glad to see him remain in the organization. If Lee can get off to a hot start with the bat, there is a chance that he makes his way back to Chicago, especially if the McGuire signing does not work with Chicago.

Turns Out Kalif Raymond Intentionally Turned Down Lions To Join The Bears — Here’s Why

By
Erik Lambert
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kalif raymond
Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) makes a catch against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

For almost a month now, the running narrative around Kalif Raymond signing with the Chicago Bears was that he’d been allowed to leave by Detroit. They had other plans at wide receiver and no longer needed him. The truth, as always, is far different. It turns out the Lions were more than eager to bring the wide receiver back. They deeply valued him in the locker room as a leader, on offense as a blocker, and as a dangerous punt returner. Coaches and teammates alike wanted him back.

There was one problem. The Bears were also interested. They’d just traded D.J. Moore and lost Olamide Zaccheaus to free agency. They needed depth behind Rome Odunze and Luther Burden. Not only that, but Raymond had sensed a shift in Detroit’s offensive philosophy last year. According to Dan Pompei, he normally would’ve chosen to stay with the Lions. However, he felt his opportunities to play wouldn’t have been nearly as high. That would be a different case in Chicago.

The Seahawks and 49ers were also in pursuit, but his choice came down to the Lions and Bears. Raymond’s feelings for Campbell, the organization and the community ran deep, and the pull to stay was powerful…

…The lure to Chicago was opportunity. The post-Johnson Lions veered to bigger wide receivers and had reduced Raymond’s offensive role. Johnson, however, remembers the wide receiver who was targeted 71 times in 2021 and 64 times in 2022.

“Is he going to be a 1,000-yard receiver?” Johnson says. “No. But I think he’s capable of a bigger role in our offense than what he had a year ago.”

Raymond is counting on it.

“I wanted to play in Ben’s offense,” he says. “He’s extraordinarily creative, and honestly, you can be in any spot on the offense, and he will find a way to get you the ball. Just to be under him is a great privilege.”

Kalif Raymond proved how far Ben Johnson’s reputation goes.

In 90% of cases like his, he would’ve stayed put. Detroit is still a good team filled with players and coaches he knows well. He would go unchallenged as the primary punt returner and almost certainly have a place as a blocker in the run game. Yet it’s important to remember he is still a wide receiver. He wants to catch passes like his idol Steve Smith did for so many years. It just wasn’t going to happen with the Lions, who have St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac Tesla.

Coach Johnson doesn’t care about size. He’s more interested in route-running, blocking willingness/skill, and whether you can catch passes. Raymond checked those boxes during their time together between 2022 and 2024. Zacchaeus got plenty of opportunities last season. He just failed to take advantage. If Raymond gets around the same number, he’ll have a chance to put up some serious stats. The fact it will have come at the expense of the Lions will be a mere icing on the cake.

Raymond brings a lot to the table.

It might be cliché, but the NFL has long been a league that finds great value in grizzled veterans joining young up-and-coming teams. It was Jack Reynolds joining the San Francisco 49ers in 1981. It was Charles Haley being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1992 and LeGarrette Blount signing with Philadelphia in 2017. Kalif Raymond isn’t at the same level as those players, but that doesn’t mean his influence won’t be felt. His ability to push and connect with teammates is well-documented.

He works hard and plays harder. You’ll often find that competitive athletes feed off of energy like that. It was why Johnson wanted to bring him in. The head coach felt that too many of his young players didn’t grasp the sense of purpose required to compete for a championship. Raymond will set about changing that. Anybody who may not have understood the sacrifices required will soon enough. Those who continue resisting the change will soon find themselves elsewhere.

White Sox Turn Tough Roster Decision Into A Savvy Move

By
Craig Rowland
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Sep 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Curtis Mead (29) hits an RBI-single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The White Sox made a shocking move when they DFA’d Curtis Mead before Opening Day, as many expected him to make the roster. Surprisingly, the White Sox opted for six outfielders on the roster, which unfortunately left no room for Mead. With Mead’s former prospect status, it was likely that other teams would be interested in him via trade or a waiver claim.

That was exactly the case, as today the White Sox announced that they have traded Curtis Mead to the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league catcher Boston Smith.

After getting DFA’d, the most likely scenario for Mead was getting traded, as if a team wanted Mead on their team, trading for him was the only way to ensure that. If they waited for the waiver period, another team could swoop in and take him from them.

While it was unclear what the White Sox could get in return for Mead, as they didn’t have much leverage in a trade, they got a very interesting prospect back in Smith, a 2025 6th round draft pick.

Smith played his college baseball at Wright State, where he was a very productive player for four seasons.

Last year as a senior, Smith hit .330 with an excellent .498 OBP. He hit 26 homeruns, had 70 RBIs, stole 16 bases, and walked 57 times to just 52 strikeouts. This is an absolutely elite season from the plate and part of the reason why he was taken in the 6th round.

Overall in his college career, Smith hit .289 with a .418 OBP, adding 52 homeruns with 158 RBIs over four seasons. This is a very solid career and he looks like he could be a very interesting piece in the White Sox organization.

Smith didn’t get into any minor league action with the Nationals organization last season, but he should open up the year with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers or the Winston-Salem Dash. He could move quickly through the minor leagues as a four year college bat, so don’t be surprised if he ends up in Birmingham by the end of the year.

I would have liked to have kept Mead on the team, but clearly Chris Getz and the White Sox thought differently. Mead could still be a very good MLB player, but with all things considered, the White Sox got very good value in this deal.

Ben Johnson Proved Again How Savvy He Is With Latest Taylor Decker Incident

By
Erik Lambert
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ben johnson
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) smiles at warm up before the game between Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.

Taylor Decker was one of the best left tackles of the past decade in the NFL. Playing on several bad Detroit Lions teams made it difficult to recognize this. However, the past few years of success allowed people to see how good he was, culminating in a Pro Bowl in 2024. After so many years of faithful service, Decker felt he’d done enough to garner a little more respect. Instead, because he wouldn’t take a pay cut, the Lions unceremoniously released him. Since then, he hasn’t heard from them. Decker has been treated like an old truck left in a junkyard. Only one person has bothered to reach out. That is Ben Johnson.

Justin Roger of Detroit Football Network spoke with the veteran left tackle about the situation. Decker is hurt and confused by Detroit’s silent treatment. Johnson’s contact was both unexpected and welcome.

“Instead, it’s been radio silence. It’s uncomfortable. It’s awkward. It feels like a high school breakup, where you can’t make eye contact when passing each other in the hall. You know who did call Decker? Ben Johnson, his former offensive coordinator and head coach of the Chicago Bears. Not to recruit him to the division rival, but to check in, like a friend does.”

Johnson coached Decker for three years from 2022 through 2024, enjoying loads of success. In that time, they formed a tight bond. For all the talk about the young coach being too computer-brained and unapproachable, the truth is the complete opposite. He cares about his players. This moment is a perfect example of that.

Ben Johnson knows what he’s doing.

Yes, he absolutely reached out to Decker to check on how he’s doing. That part is true. However, it also served the dual purpose of keeping the Bears on his mind. After all, the team still doesn’t have a definitive left tackle. Right now, they’re facing a competition between Braxton Jones and Jedrick Wills, both coming off injuries. Decker represents a clear upgrade at the position for them, even in his 30s. Now, as the relationship between him and the Lions grows a little bitter, he might be motivated to join a team that gives him a chance to remind them of what they let go.

The core issue for Chicago has been price. Decker, as the proven veteran he is, will likely command a large number on his next contract, even if it’s only for one year. The Bears aren’t in a position to give him one. That said, if the left tackle were willing to give them a steep discount, that might change matters. It’s not like Decker needs the money, and getting the chance to play for Ben Johnson again might seem more appealing by the day. Much may depend on the upcoming draft.

The Bears may decide to go offensive tackle early.

General manager Ryan Poles has pulled up to two recent pro days featuring prominent tackle prospects Kadyn Proctor and Max Iheanachor. Both are projected to go in the 1st round. There is a good chance that at least one of them will be available at #25 overall. If it goes that way, signing Decker is unlikely. However, if the board falls such that they do grab a tackle, this is something they may wish to revisit. There is no pressure to make a move right now.

Decker is a veteran. He’s at that point in his career where he doesn’t need minicamps or OTAs to get himself ready for a season. Besides, he knows Johnson’s offense as well as anybody. If the Bears aren’t comfortable with their tackle situation by the start of training camp, they could place that phone call. Of course, this is presuming another team doesn’t sign Decker before then. One thing we know for sure is this deal would come together fast if Ben Johnson decides to push for it.

Nine Expiring Deals, One Big Question — Who Survives the Bulls’ Roster Reset?

By
Ryan Dauterive
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Feb 7, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey (31) guard Anfernee Simons (22) guard Collin Sexton (2) center Nick Richards (13) and forward Isaac Okoro (35) on the court during the second half against the Denver Nuggets. All five players weren’t 0n the team at the start of the season at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

After the next eight games, Chicago’s roster becomes a ghost town. With nine expiring contracts, six of them being fully contracted NBA players, decisions will need to be made. After the trade deadline, many fans were confused by the strategy, simply because five of the acquired players could walk in free agency just two months after being brought to town. With a surplus of guards and the most commonly-mocked name attached to the Bulls via the draft being another guard, the expectation is that several of them will be shown the door this summer. How does AK navigate a roster with only a handful of contracts extending beyond this season, and how low does the rebuild dip?

Likely To Walk

It’s even tougher to gauge who will be retained this offseason when looking at the last six weeks. Take Jaden Ivey or Anfernee Simons, for example: both were injured for stretches of their tenure with Chicago, neither fully integrated with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis, and both are older than the target age for the rebuilding core. Here’s the estimation for who won’t be back next year.

Anfernee Simons: The former Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics will not be back in the Windy City. Whether it’s an AK decision that he’s beyond the age range for the current nucleus, or a Simons decision that he wants to contribute to a contending product rather than a bottom-dwelling team for the next few campaigns, it’s doubtful he’ll resign for an extended stay.

Nick Richards: This one’s fairly straightforward; he was a last-minute add at the deadline to fill the center role through the remainder of the year, but neither Richards nor Chicago has long-term aspirations for a relationship. He’s too old to fit alongside the current timeline, his goal of contributing to a playoff-qualifying product, and the ease of replacing his role are all factors for his departure.

Guerschon Yabusele: Similar to Richards, he was added to replace the departing or injured big men down the stretch, and does not fit the rebuild timeline of Giddey or Buzelis. With Zach Collins and Jalen Smith returning, he serves no purpose in the long term.

Collin Sexton: This is the most questionable departure, as he’s been the most productive Bull over the last six weeks. However, when scoping 3-5 years, he doesn’t present a better option at guard depth than Tre Jones or Isaac Okoro, and has too much overlap with Giddey and an incoming guard via the draft.

Extensions Incoming

It’s still too early to say for sure which players in Chicago will be extended beyond this year, but here’s who would have a 50%+ chance of sticking around beyond the next eight games.

Jaden Ivey: The gut says Ivey should be shown the door. With the injury history, the prospect of grabbing a guard in this year’s draft, and the admittance that he’s nowhere near the player he used to be prior to injury, odds say he’s not a future asset. However, this was the biggest splash of the deadline. He was a former top-five pick, and he’s a restricted free agent, meaning Chicago can wait for the market to develop and match any offer he receives. AK’s history says he will give a shorter extension to see his gamble through.

Zach Collins: This is a tough one, because when he’s on the floor, there’s arguably been no better big man in Chicago over the last few seasons. His two-way motor, three-point abilities, and consistent output have provided stability and versatility. However, he’s missed over 65% of his possible games with the franchise, including 72 of 82 this year. Since he’ll be a cheap option who knows the system and fits well with Giddey and Buzelis, expect a short extension at a low price.

The last three expiring deals for G League or two-way players are for Mac McClung, Yuki Kawamura, and Lachlan Olbrich. Unless they’re blown away by an offer from an opposing club, which is doubtful outside of possibly McClung, expect all three to return to Chicago.

In a summer that could feature an entire flip of the roster, do you trust Arturas Karnisovas in the driver’s seat for this and the draft?

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