Bulls officially announce firing of two top executives! Ivey incident leads to final decision, Warriors' two former GM become targets

On April 7 Beijing time, the Chicago Bulls officially announced that the team has fired Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas and General Manager Marc Eversley.

Bulls CEO and President Michael Reinsdorf issued a statement saying: "Arturas and Marc have always been fully committed and dedicated to leading the Chicago Bulls. Making such a decision is never easy, especially when it involves individuals we deeply respect both personally and professionally. We sincerely thank them for their efforts and dedication over the past six years. However, at the same time, the team has failed to achieve the results that fans rightly expect, and I am responsible for steering the team toward a new direction. This personnel change aims to lay the foundation for the team's long-term success in the future. I want fans to know that I hear your voices and understand your disappointment; I share that feeling. I know this will take time, and I will do everything possible to make it right. At the Chicago Bulls, our goal has always been to build a team capable of competing at the highest level and ultimately contending for championships. We will take all necessary measures to advance the Bulls and meet the pride and expectations of our fans."

During their tenure, the Bulls repeatedly made major roster adjustments but remained stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. Both were hired in 2020 with the task of reviving this legendary team that dominated the NBA in the 90s. The Bulls' record improved from 31 wins and 41 losses in the 2020-21 season to 46 wins and 36 losses the following year, but then stagnated.

Over the next three seasons, the Bulls' win totals were 40, 39, and 39 respectively, never reaching a winning percentage above 50%. Before this season's trade deadline, management made multiple moves, once again pushing the team into rebuilding mode, with a current record of only 29 wins and 49 losses. Including this season's performance that is destined to miss the playoffs, the Bulls have failed to win a playoff series for 11 consecutive seasons.

According to Bulls reporter Cowley, the Ivey incident is considered the final straw that led the Reinsdorf family to ultimately fire Karnisovas and Eversley. "Sources indicate that as early as before this year's February trade deadline, the two were already in a precarious position, and the team was concerned about the immediate direction of management. The embarrassing situation caused by the Ivey incident became the last straw that broke the camel's back, leaving the Reinsdorf family with no choice after more than six years of tenure but to make a personnel change."

The reporter also stated that former Warriors General Manager Bob Myers and current Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. will be the Bulls' primary targets. "If they want to make a big splash, former Warriors executive Bob Myers should be the first call... If the Reinsdorf family wants a familiar face, former Bulls forward and current Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. would be the perfect candidate."

Salary cap expert Marks pointed out that the successors to Karnisovas and Eversley will face a substantial workload this offseason: the Bulls have $65 million in salary cap space plus a lottery pick, providing conditions for significant reinforcement. According to Chicago Sports Network reporter K.C. Johnson, during the search for new executives, Reinsdorf will jointly oversee basketball operations with senior advisors John Paxson, Brian Hagen, Pat Connelly, and JJ Polk.

Additionally, according to renowned reporter Shams, the Bulls hope Donovan continues as head coach, "as long as he wishes to stay, he will remain in charge." It is reported that Donovan was previously a candidate for the head coach position of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, but the school today has selected former Nuggets head coach Michael Malone to take over.