Every summer, I briefly take off my Dad-Gang snapback, opting to rock my “fake ass general manager” hat for a few hours.

Not literally (but if the Bulls or Bears are reading this…my phone is fully charged & my salary is negotiable).

But ever since I can remember, this has become a tradition of mine. Once the seasons end, I disappear into salary cap sheets, draft boards, trade machines and free agency lists trying to answer one simple question:

How can I build Chicago a championship team?

Sometimes my ideas are pretty straightforward.

Right after the New York Giants drafted Abdul Carter last offseason, I spent weeks talking about why the Bears should explore a trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux. Fast forward a year, and suddenly that exact idea had Chicago sports media and Bears fans debating it for what felt like months.

Other times…

My ideas are absolutely FIRE, buuuuttttt they may sound ridiculous.

One of my favorite Bears scenarios earlier this offseason involved aggressively signing Trey Hendrickson in free agency AND then turning around and trading DJ Moore plus two first-round picks to the Raiders for Maxx Crosby.

Would it have been expensive?

Absolutely.

Would pairing Hendrickson and Crosby have given Chicago arguably the nastiest edge-rushing duo in football?

HELL YEAH.

The point isn’t whether every prediction happens. The point is understanding how championship caliber organizations think.

Sometimes you make the obvious move.

Sometimes you make the uncomfortable move.

And sometimes…

You see an opportunity before everyone else does.

Which brings us to my Chicago Bulls.

Bryson Graham has inherited one of the most fascinating situations in the NBA. Caleb Wilson is officially in Chicago. Dailyn Swain adds another intriguing young piece. Matas Buzelis continues to develop. Tiago Splitter is beginning to establish his culture. The sun is starting to shine on the Westside again.

Now comes the hard part.

Building a roster that doesn’t just compete for the Play-In Tournament…

…but one that can eventually compete for championships.

As things currently stand, the Bulls project to have roughly $30 million in available cap space heading into free agency, giving Graham real flexibility to reshape this roster. There have already been rumors connecting Chicago to several different free agents and trade possibilities, and we’ll touch on some of those throughout this blueprint.

But this isn’t about chasing headlines. It’s not about winning free agency. It’s about making calculated decisions that position this franchise to win consistently, not just next season, but for years & years & years to come.

So here’s exactly what I would do if I had the keys to the Advocate Center.

Step One: It’s Time to Move On From Patrick Williams

First order of business…

Getting Patrick Williams the hell off my basketball team.

Now before y’all start typing your angry comments, let me say this…Patrick Williams is probably a great dude. I genuinely wish him nothing but success in life and throughout the rest of his NBA career.

But watching him play basketball has become harder than trying to find a single grain of sugar in a snowstorm in Antarctica.

When the Bulls selected Patrick Williams fourth overall back in 2020, they weren’t drafting a role player. They were supposedly drafting a future cornerstone. The next Kawhi Leonard. 😒

Instead, six seasons later, we’re still talking about potential and I am immediately taken back to what the brilliant DC philosopher Wale once said: “potential is just another word for ain’t did nothing yet”.

And, again, after six NBA seasons, Patrick Williams, simply put, ain’t did nothing yet.

Somehow though, Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley didn’t just miss on the fourth overall pick. These dudes doubled down by handing him a five-year, $90 million contract that immediately became one of the league’s most puzzling extensions.

At this point, Patrick Williams has virtually no positive trade value around the NBA. So instead of wasting another season hoping something magically clicks, I’m making the business decision. ✌🏾

Waive and stretch the contract.

Williams has three years and $54 million remaining on his deal (the rules state we have to add his player option year).

Using the NBA’s waive and stretch provision, the Bulls could spread that remaining salary over seven seasons, reducing his annual cap hit from that dumb ass $18 million/yr to about $7.7 million.

I know, I know. This option means you’re paying Patrick Williams an extra four years after he’s long gone but I honestly couldn’t care less.

In my eyes, saving more than $10 million in immediate cap space is significantly more valuable than paying $18 million for another season of “maybe next year.”

Championship organizations don’t cling to sunk costs. They acknowledge mistakes. They correct them. Then they move forward.

Projected Available Cap Space

Before Waive & Stretch: ~$30 million

After Waive & Stretch: Just over $40 million

Now we’re talking.

And we’re just getting started.

Step Two: Bring Back Anfernee Simons

Now let’s talk about one of my favorite players on this entire free agent market.

Long before the Bulls landed Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick…

Long before they selected Dailyn Swain…

And even before Bryson Graham pulled off the trade for Nic Claxton…

I already knew one player I wanted back in Chicago.

Anfernee Simons.

I’ve loved this kid’s game ever since he came into the league learning behind Damian Lillard in Portland.

The dude can flat-out score and he’s exactly the type of player every young team needs. Someone who can create his own shot, stretch the floor, score in bunches and, despite still being in his 20s, provide veteran leadership to one of the youngest rosters in the NBA.

Could he command a ton of money?

I’m pretty sure he can, but based on where the current free agent market appears to be heading, I think we can get this done at a number that benefits both sides.

Contract: 3 Years / $51 Million

That’s an average of $17 million per season.

It’s a fair deal for Simons.

It’s a fair deal for the Bulls.

And maybe my favorite part, it’s an incredibly movable contract for a move down the line.

If three years from now Anfernee Simons is still thriving in Chicago…

I told you.

If Bryson Graham needs to pivot in another direction for whatever opportunity presents itself, a $17 million salary is infinitely easier to move than a $28 or $30 million one.

That’s how smart front offices think.

Not just about today’s roster…

But tomorrow’s flexibility too.

Cap Space Tracker

Cap Space After Waive & Stretch: ~$40.3 million

Anfernee Simons: -$17 million

Remaining Cap Space: ~$23.3 million

Step Three: The Center Position

This is probably where my blueprint changed the most over the past few weeks.

Originally?

I wanted the Bulls to be extremely aggressive. My dream target was Jalen Duren. If Detroit somehow let him hit the market, I was ready to throw the bag.

I also had my eye on Mitchell Robinson, Robert Williams III, and Mark Williams.

Then Bryson Graham went and traded for Nic Claxton.

And just like that…BOOM!

Everything changed.

There’s simply no world where I’m paying one center max money while another is making over $23 million to come off my bench.

That doesn’t make sense for where this roster is today.

As for Duren, I absolutely love the player. He’s young, athletic, finishes everything around the rim and would fit Tiago Splitter’s system beautifully.

But reports now indicate Detroit intends to match virtually any offer sheet he signs. There have even been whispers about potential sign-and-trade discussions, yet the Pistons have made it clear they aren’t interested in moving him.

So…

Scratch that idea.

Mitchell Robinson?

Pass!

When healthy, he’s one of the premier defensive centers in basketball.

The problem is…

“When healthy.”

His injury history scares me. And come big moments, opposing teams have shown they’ll happily neutralize his impact by intentionally sending him to the free-throw line. That immediately gives me pause and I just can’t accept that.

Now let’s talk about another fascinating option.

Robert Williams III.

Basketball-wise?

He checks almost every box BG likes.

Like Claxton, he gives you elite athleticism, rim protection, shot blocking, vertical spacing and the ability to completely alter games defensively without ever needing plays called for him.

He also has another advantage.

Tiago Splitter already knows him.

Splitter worked with Williams during his time in Portland and saw firsthand what he can be when healthy. That familiarity would undoubtedly make the transition smoother and gives Chicago confidence in exactly what type of player they’d be getting.

Unfortunately…

We’re back to those same two words.

When healthy.

Williams has spent far too much of his career on the trainer’s table, and current projections have his next contract somewhere in the neighborhood of $13-15 million annually.

For me…

That’s simply too much risk. Especially where we are right here and now.

That leaves another name. One who’s already wearing a Bulls jersey.

Nick Richards!

I honestly don’t think enough Bulls fans appreciated what Richards gave this team after arriving at the trade deadline.

In just about 20 minutes per game, he averaged roughly 9 points and 7 rebounds (15 & 12 per 36 minutes).

That’s real production.

And yes before somebody jumps into the comments talking about his per-36 numbers, let me tell you I’ve never understood why basketball settled on 36-minute projections when NBA games are 48 minutes…

…but that’s a rant for another day.

Regardless of how you slice it, Richards proved he belongs.

Give him a slight raise to keep him in Chicago.

Contract: 3 Years / $24 Million

That’s roughly $8 million annually for an athletic backup center who already knows the system, won’t spend half the season on the trainer’s table, has already built chemistry with some of the roster and complements Nic Claxton almost perfectly.

Together Claxton and Richards give Chicago exactly what this roster needs.

Length.

Athleticism.

Elite rim protection.

Relentless rebounding.

A pair of centers capable of protecting the paint for 48 minutes every single night.

I’m not drawing up post touches for either one of them.

That’s not their job. I just need them to keep it simple. Set tough screens. Protect the rim. Own the glass. Run the floor. Finish lobs. Pretty much doing all the dirty work that wins basketball games. Every championship contender has players willing to embrace those responsibilities. Nic & Nick gives us that.

Cap Space Tracker

Remaining Cap Space: ~$23.3 million

Nick Richards: -$8 million

Remaining Available Cap Space: ~$15.3 million

Now we’ve got our backcourt. We’ve got our center rotation. And we’re still sitting on enough cap space to make more moves that could strategically change the trajectory of this franchise.

Step Four: It Crossed My Mind for a Second…

I‘m not gone lie. There aren’t many names left on this free agent market that really excite me.

At this point, I’m not just looking for talent. I’m looking for players who fit our timeline, fit me and Bryson Graham’s vision, and fit what this roster actually needs.

A lot of good players simply don’t check all three boxes. One guy that did catch my attention, though?

Rui Hachimura!

I love Rui’s game. He’s versatile. He can defend multiple positions. He can create his own offense when needed. And maybe most importantly, the man quietly knocked down over 40% of his three-point attempts this past season.

Every NBA team could use another shooter like that.

But here’s the problem. He primarily plays the same positions as Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson. Those are two guys I’m trying to develop into cornerstones of this franchise. So why would I turn around and pay another forward starter money just to come off my bench?

That’s not smart business.

Now, if Rui is willing to sign a one-year deal using our Mid-Level Exception—worth roughly $9.3 million?

Sign me up yesterday!

That’s a low-risk gamble with tremendous upside. Anything beyond that? I’m respectfully, but briskly, walking away.

Someone who I’ve long wanted in a Bulls jersey is John Collins! A recent report connects us with him and after the season he turned in for the Clippers in the 2025-2026 shows me that he still can contribute nightly, but that timeline fit piece makes me a bit hesitant. If I’m outbid for him? No sleep would be lost, at least I made the call.

Another name I constantly see Bulls fans bringing up is Peyton Watson.

And honestly, I just don’t see it being a realistic option.

For starters, I have a hard time believing Denver is interested in letting him walk. He’s still young, athletic and fits what they’re trying to build.

But even if he somehow became available, I can’t shake this eery feeling. He gives me serious Eddie Robinson Charlotte to Chicago vibes.

Dammit, did I just age myself?! Oh well.

I’ve learned that sometimes the smartest move in free agency is the one you don’t make! Word to Ryan Poles 🫡.

What If…?

Throughout this offseason, we’ve heard Bryson Graham talk about his vision for our Chicago Bulls.

One thing he’s repeatedly emphasized is something Bulls fans simply haven’t been used to hearing. He’s open to taking on bad contracts, if doing so brings future assets, creates long-term flexibility or ultimately puts this franchise in a better position to win.

That got me thinking. Intently.

Josh Giddey is coming off the best season of his career. And several teams have taken notice. The man averaged roughly 17 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds, finished second in the NBA in triple doubles behind only Nikola Jokic, is still just 23 years old, and is playing on an extremely manageable $25 million salary.

That’s the type of young player rebuilding, or retooling or hell, even contending teams covet.

So let me throw something absolutely insane out there.

WARNING…Here comes the bullshit, y’all.

Chicago receives

• Paul George

• A Philly future first-round pick

Philadelphia receives

• Josh Giddey

• Patrick Williams (if we opt to trade instead of waive-and-stretch him)

• Jalen Smith

I know some of y’all have already closed the article. Others are halfway through typing:

“This dude is a fucking idiot.”

Relax. There’s a method to my madness.

Let me start with Philadelphia.

The 76ers already have one aging superstar making enormous money in Joel Embiid, whose health has been a recurring concern from the moment he was drafted. Tyrese Maxey has already been paid. VJ Edgecombe looks like a player they’ll eventually need to invest in as well.

At some point the bill comes due.

Moving Paul George’s contract would immediately reshape Philadelphia’s salary structure while bringing back a player who better fits their long-term timeline.

Josh Giddey instantly becomes another playmaker capable of making life easier for Embiid, Maxey, Edgecombe and everyone else on that roster. Jalen Smith gives them a legitimate backup center who can step into the starting lineup whenever Embiid inevitably misses games.

And Patrick Williams? Maybe, just maybe a change of scenery unlocks something we’ve yet to see in Chicago.

Seriously…

Please take him.

Now, why in the world would Chicago even consider this?

It’s pretty simple actually.

No, Paul George isn’t the MVP candidate we watched in Oklahoma City.

He’s not the player Indiana hoped could topple LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in the Eastern Conference.

And he’s no longer that guy many believed would help Kawhi Leonard take over Los Angeles.

That version of Paul George isn’t here but another version still exists.

One that I think fits exactly what Bryson Graham appears to be building.

Paul George is one of the original modern two-way wings. He can defend multiple positions. He can STILL create his own offense. He can still knock down shots from anywhere on the floor. But perhaps most importantly, he embodies many of the traits Bryson Graham has prioritized while reshaping this roster. PG was SLAPping long before BG introduced us to this philosophy.

Now imagine what that means for this young core of Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson & Dailyn Swain.

Three young forwards walking into the Advocate Center every single day and learning directly from someone who’s spent nearly two decades mastering the craft.

That’s the shit you can’t quantify that in a box score. That’s culture. That’s professionalism. That’s accountability. That’s mentorship.

Yes…

The contract is massive. But THIS bad contract presents limitless opportunities for this young Bulls team moving forward.

Roughly $54 million over the next two seasons isn’t exactly easy on the eyes. But it’s only two years!

And there’s also one more reason I love this idea. It answers one of the biggest questions facing this franchise.

What exactly is Rob Dillingham?

Trading Josh Giddey clears the runway.

Whether Coach ultimately decides Anfernee Simons or Paul George is his starting point guard, one thing becomes crystal clear: Rob Dillingham finally gets the runway he needs to prove whether he’s the Bulls’ point guard of the future.

If he is…

Fantastic.

If he isn’t…

Bryson Graham gets that answer, and has a future first round pick from Philly, before making another major investment in the backcourt.

That’s invaluable information.

Would Philadelphia do this?

Possibly.

Would Chicago?

Maybe.

But that’s why this section is called “What If?”

Because sometimes the moves that sound the craziest today are the ones everyone spends the next six months wondering why they never saw coming.

Cap Space Tracker

(After the Paul George Trade)

Available Cap Space Before Trade: ~$15.3 million

Outgoing Salary

• Josh Giddey: -$25 million
• Patrick Williams: -$18 million
• Jalen Smith: -$9 million

Total Salary Out: -$52 million

Incoming Salary

• Paul George: +$54 million

Net Change: -$2 million in cap space

Updated Available Cap Space

~$13.3 million remaining

The Blueprint Is Only the Beginning.

Will every move in this blueprint happen Probably not. Will some of them make Bulls fans call me crazy? I can see that. But that’s the beauty of this time of year. Every championship contender started as somebody’s crazy idea. This isn’t about winning the offseason. It’s about building a roster, a culture and an identity that gives Chicago a legitimate chance to compete for championships, not just next season, but for years to come.

Whether you agree with every move, disagree with every move, or think I should never be allowed within 100 feet of an NBA front office, I appreciate you taking this journey with me.

You’ve seen my recipe, now let’s see what Bryson Graham is cooking up.

Until next time…

By Chicago. For Chicago.