Bulls Betting It ALL on Restricted Free Agency?! AK’s Risky Plan Revealed

The Chicago Bulls have created massive salary cap flexibility — but what are they really planning to do with it? 👀

After moving eight players at the trade deadline and leaning into what looks like a tank, Artūras Karnišovas has positioned the Bulls for a pivotal 2026 offseason. But instead of chasing aging unrestricted free agents like LeBron James, Norman Powell, or Kristaps Porziņģis, the Bulls may target the restricted free agent market — and that’s where things get interesting.

Names like Jalen Duren, Tari Eason, Walker Kessler, Peyton Watson, Bennedict Mathurin, and Mark Williams could all hit RFA status. Could Chicago weaponize cap space with aggressive offer sheets? Or will teams simply match and leave the Bulls scrambling for Plan B?

We break down:

• Why restricted free agency is a gamble 🎲
• Whether AK has the vision to execute
• If the Bulls’ young core (Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Noa Essengue, Jaden Ivey) is enough
• Why the structure and coaching development may matter more than cap space

Plus, we react to voicemails debating:

• Is Anfernee Simons a winning player?
• Is Josh Giddey still the team’s leader?
• What record would actually make this season a “success”?
• Does this front office have what it takes to build a real contender?

The Bulls have flexibility. Now the question is… can they turn it into talent?

🔥 Tap in with Chicago Bulls Central — hosted by Haize.

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