Matas Buzelis $155M Extension?! 👀 | Jalen Smith Could Become WAY More Important Than Bulls Fans Think

Are the Chicago Bulls further along in their rebuild than people realize? And did Bryson Graham miss some affordable opportunities to improve the roster this offseason?On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down THREE major questions surrounding the Bulls heading into the 2026–27 season.First, FOUR Chicago Bulls made ESPN’s Top 100 player rankings:🔥 Josh Giddey — #80 🎯 Norman Powell — #86 🌟 Matas Buzelis — #88 👀 Caleb Wilson — #97Matas was unranked entering last season, while Caleb makes the list before even playing an NBA regular-season game. But rankings alone don’t prove Chicago’s rebuild is ahead of schedule—the real test is whether these players actually make each other better when they share the floor. Haize breaks down the difference between talent, fit and responsibility, why Matas Buzelis’ next leap needs to force defenses to adjust, and what Caleb Wilson can do to justify the national hype without needing huge scoring numbers every night.Then we turn to Tiago Splitter’s defense.The Bulls committed roughly 15.3 turnovers per game last season while forcing only 13.0, creating a turnover disadvantage. Could Chicago’s new length, athleticism and defensive versatility turn steals and deflections into easier offense for Josh Giddey, Matas and Caleb?And finally…🧢 FACTS OR CAP: Did Bryson Graham miss some of the Bulls’ best affordable trade opportunities?We break down the cases for:🎯 Isaiah Joe — acquired for two second-round picks🔥 Aaron Wiggins — acquired for two second-round picks💪 Isaiah Stewart — initially reported at three second-round picks before becoming part of a larger dealHaize examines whether Chicago should have been more aggressive, why Isaiah Joe may have been the most natural fit, and why the actual prices paid by other teams do not prove identical deals were available to the Bulls.🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:🐂 Four Bulls make ESPN’s Top 100🌟 What Matas must prove next👀 How Caleb Wilson can justify the hype🔒 Can Chicago’s defense create easier offense?💥 Okoro, Claxton and Swain’s defensive roles🧢 Facts or Cap: Did Bryson Graham miss affordable trades?🎯 Was Isaiah Joe the biggest missed opportunity?📈 Should Chicago have prioritized shooting over flexibility?💬 Which tells you MORE about the Bulls rebuild: one player making a huge individual leap—or Matas, Caleb, Giddey and the core becoming consistently good together?👍 LIKE 🔔 SUBSCRIBE 🐂 Join Haize every day on Chicago Bulls Central!Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Norman Powell has his sights set on All-NBA—but what would it actually take for him to get there with the Chicago Bulls? And if Jalen Duren becomes available, should Chicago make him its next major investment?On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize dives into three major Bulls storylines heading toward the 2026–27 season.First, we break down Norman Powell’s All-NBA goal. Powell averaged 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists last season while shooting 38% from three, and he made his first All-Star team. But making All-NBA is a much tougher challenge, especially with only 15 spots available league-wide.Haize breaks down what Powell would realistically need to do, including improved availability, elite scoring efficiency, a bigger offensive burden and enough team impact to separate himself from the rest of the league.Then we get into the bigger Bulls future question:If Norman Powell plays at an All-NBA level, should Chicago KEEP him or use that production to maximize his trade value? 👀The Bulls hold a $22.575 million team option for 2027–28, giving Chicago flexibility in deciding whether Powell remains part of the rebuild or becomes one of its most valuable trade assets.PLUS…🔥 Jalen Duren to Chicago?Detroit has reportedly offered Duren a massive deal, while Milwaukee and Sacramento have been identified as interested teams. One article floated Chicago as a possible mystery suitor, but that Bulls connection remains speculation rather than confirmed reporting. Still, the basketball question is worth asking.Would Duren’s rebounding, interior finishing and physicality complement Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson—or would another non-shooting center make the Bulls’ spacing problems harder to solve?And finally, Haize breaks down Drew Peterson’s opportunity to compete for Chicago’s final two-way spot, what his passing and shooting could bring to Windy City, and why the Bulls should think about more than just raw G League production.🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:🐂 What would Norman Powell need to make All-NBA?📈 Can Powell raise his scoring without losing efficiency?💰 Would a huge season make Chicago keep or trade him?👀 Should the Bulls pursue Jalen Duren?🏀 How Duren would fit with Giddey, Matas and Caleb⚠️ The spacing concerns with another interior big🔥 Drew Peterson’s case for the final two-way spot🧠 How Chicago should evaluate its developmental roster💬 If Norman Powell is playing at an All-NBA level while Matas and Caleb are progressing, what return would be enough for YOU to trade him?And…Would you rather invest big in Jalen Duren or use this season to decide whether the Bulls need another perimeter creator instead?👍 LIKE🔔 SUBSCRIBE🐂 Tap into Chicago Bulls Central with Haize!Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is Matas Buzelis really playing his way toward a $155 million extension? Could Caleb Wilson realistically enter the Team USA conversation by 2028? And is Jalen Smith about to become one of the most important supporting players on the Chicago Bulls?It’s time for another FACTS OR CAP edition of Chicago Bulls Central with Haize! 🔥First, Haize breaks down why Jalen Smith’s value may go far beyond his own box-score production. Smith averaged 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 37.3% from three last season, and his ability to stretch the floor at center could create more space for Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson to develop as creators.But this is also a contract year for Smith. He is entering the final season of his deal and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027, making this season a major audition for his long-term future in Chicago.Then we get into the BIG money conversation. 💰Matas Buzelis becomes eligible for a rookie-scale extension in summer 2027, and recent deals for Peyton Watson, Ausar Thompson and Amen Thompson provide some major reference points. Could Matas eventually land something around five years and $155 million if he makes another major leap this season?Haize breaks down what Matas would need to show as a creator, shooter, defender and running mate alongside Caleb Wilson before Chicago commits that kind of money.And finally…🇺🇸 Caleb Wilson on Team USA in 2028?!There is no reported invitation or commitment from USA Basketball, but the idea gives Bulls fans another way to measure Caleb’s development. By the 2028 Olympics, he would have only two NBA seasons under his belt, meaning he would need to develop FAST—but the role he could eventually fill alongside stars is worth discussing. 🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:🐂 Can Jalen Smith unlock Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson? 🎯 How Smith’s floor spacing could change the offense 💰 Is Matas heading toward a $155M extension? 👀 What Matas must prove before the Bulls pay him 🇺🇸 Could Caleb Wilson enter the 2028 Team USA conversation? 🧠 What Caleb needs to show without high usage 🔥 FACTS OR CAP on three major Bulls storylines💬 FACTS OR CAP: If Matas Buzelis makes a clear third-year leap, would five years and roughly $155 million be good business for Chicago?And…Could Caleb Wilson realistically become a Team USA-level player by 2028?👍 LIKE 🔔 SUBSCRIBE 🐂 Join Haize every day on Chicago Bulls Central!Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is this Isaac Okoro’s final chance to prove he belongs with the Chicago Bulls? And could Tiago Splitter turn offensive rebounding into a major part of Chicago’s identity?On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down THREE major questions surrounding the Bulls heading toward training camp and the 2026–27 NBA season.First, we dive into Isaac Okoro’s make-or-break year in Chicago. Okoro averaged 9.3 points while shooting 33% from three last season, but his defensive value could become even more important if Tiago Splitter uses him as Chicago’s primary perimeter stopper. With Okoro set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027, this season could determine whether he has a future alongside Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell and the rest of the Bulls’ young core.Then we ask one of the biggest schematic questions facing Chicago:Will opposing teams simply dare the Bulls to shoot? 👀Haize breaks down how Chicago could attack zone defenses using Josh Giddey in the middle, Norman Powell as a perimeter threat, Nic Claxton around the rim and Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis attacking gaps. These are potential solutions for the current roster—not confirmed Tiago Splitter plays—and they illustrate what the Bulls need when defenses take away the paint.PLUS…Could offensive rebounding become the Bulls’ secret weapon? 🔥We examine how Nic Claxton, Caleb Wilson, Leonard Miller and even Tobe Awaka could help Chicago create second-chance opportunities—and why sending too many players to the glass could leave the Bulls vulnerable in transition. The real question isn’t simply whether Chicago can rebound more misses. It’s whether the extra possessions outweigh the defensive risk.🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:🐂 Isaac Okoro’s make-or-break season🎯 Can Okoro become Chicago’s best perimeter defender?🏀 What happens if opponents dare the Bulls to shoot?🧠 How Josh Giddey could attack the middle of a zone💥 Norman Powell and Nic Claxton’s role against packed defenses🌟 Caleb Wilson’s potential offensive-rebounding impact👀 Leonard Miller’s path to more rotation minutes⚠️ The transition-defense risk of crashing the glass🔥 What Bulls fans should watch during preseason💬 What matters more for Isaac Okoro’s future in Chicago: becoming a dependable shooter or proving he is the Bulls’ best perimeter defender?Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Should the Chicago Bulls send Noa Essengue back to the G League—and could Tre Jones actually become TOO valuable for Chicago to trade?On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize continues breaking down the biggest questions surrounding the Bulls heading into the 2026–27 season.First, we dive into Noa Essengue’s development plan. After a difficult Summer League and an injury-shortened rookie season, Chicago has a major decision to make: should the 19-year-old forward spend meaningful time with the Windy City Bulls, or would practicing every day with Tiago Splitter and the NBA roster accelerate his development more?Haize breaks down what a successful season should actually look like for Noa, the skills Chicago should prioritize, what would earn him NBA rotation minutes and why his development shouldn’t be judged simply by points per game. 👀Then we turn to Tre Jones.After averaging 14.1 points and 5.4 assists while shooting 55.3% from the field last season, Jones enters this year with a different role behind Josh Giddey and Norman Powell. But his ability to organize the offense could be especially valuable while Chicago develops players like Dailyn Swain, Rob Dillingham and Leonard Miller.Could Tre become so important to the development of this roster that moving him at the trade deadline would actually hurt more than help?🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:🐂 Should Noa Essengue spend significant time in the G League?📈 What would actually make Noa’s season a success?🧠 The specific skills Chicago needs him developing👀 What could earn him more minutes under Tiago Splitter🔥 Why Tre Jones may be essential to the Bulls’ bench🏀 How Tre could help Dailyn Swain and Rob Dillingham💰 What would make a Tre Jones trade worth it?📞 Chicago Bulls Central listener voicemailsPLUS, Bulls fans weigh in on Max Strus, Jalen Smith trade value, Josh Giddey’s future and what watching Bulls basketball will feel like without Stacey King.💬 Would you consider Noa Essengue’s season successful if he spends significant time with Windy City but finishes the year looking ready for an NBA role?And:What would another team have to offer before YOU would trade Tre Jones?👍 LIKE 🔔 SUBSCRIBE 🐂 Join the conversation every day on Chicago Bulls Central with Haize!Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Could Leonard Miller eventually become the most valuable player the Chicago Bulls received in the Ayo Dosunmu trade?On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize continues the Bulls player-prediction series with one of Chicago’s most intriguing young forwards.Miller averaged 11.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 23.1 minutes during his 27 games with Chicago while shooting 55.5% from the field and 35.6% from three. The production was real — but this season brings a much different challenge. Miller must prove he can remain impactful without guaranteed touches, regular starts or a huge offensive role.His pathway is straightforward: run the floor, cut behind help defenders, attack offensive rebounds, finish against unsettled defenses and provide energy without requiring Chicago to run plays specifically for him. That skill set could fit naturally around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson.But three questions will decide his season: Can Miller defend consistently enough for Tiago Splitter to trust him? Will defenses respect his jumper? And can he maintain his rebounding, cutting and energy when his touches fluctuate?Haize gives his full Leonard Miller prediction, including a projected 20 minutes, 9 points, 5.5 rebounds and roughly 35% shooting from three while establishing himself as a regular reserve forward.Then we dive into one of the most overlooked weapons in Josh Giddey’s game: inbound passing.Giddey has previously demonstrated elite creativity as an inbound passer, and Chicago now has intriguing options around him. Norman Powell can fly off screens, Nic Claxton can slip toward the rim, while Matas and Caleb can punish defenders who overplay passing lanes.The Bulls could even use inbound possessions to flow directly into their normal offense, allowing Giddey to enter the ball and immediately become part of the next action rather than resetting from scratch.🔥 Topics include: Leonard Miller’s season prediction, his long-term Bulls future, his competition for forward minutes, the Ayo trade return, Giddey’s inbound passing, Powell movement actions, Claxton slips, Caleb and Matas backdoor cuts, and Bulls mailbag reactions.🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bleacher Report has Rob Dillingham pegged as the Chicago Bulls’ top breakout candidate for 2026–27 — but Chicago may have to make a major decision on his future before the breakout has time to fully happen.On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down what a legitimate Rob Dillingham leap would actually look like after he averaged 9.6 points, 2.8 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 21.5 minutes during his 30 games with Chicago last season.The Bulls have until October 31 to decide whether to exercise Dillingham’s roughly $8.8 million fourth-year option for 2027–28. That means training camp, preseason and a small sample of regular-season basketball could become extremely important.What does Chicago need to see?Better shooting. More controlled decision-making. Value when Josh Giddey or Norman Powell initiates the offense. Fewer avoidable defensive mistakes. Most importantly, Dillingham has to prove he can help the Bulls during ordinary eight-minute stretches without needing a 20-point explosion to justify his minutes.Haize also gives his full Rob Dillingham season prediction, including disappointing, likely and breakout statistical ranges.Then we turn to Chicago’s final two-way contract.Jaylin Sellers and Tobe Awaka already occupy two spots, leaving one available. Could former Alabama wing Houston Mallette provide the shooting Chicago needs? Can Boo Buie change the evaluation after a difficult Summer League? And should the Bulls monitor Trevor Keels if he becomes available following Washington’s camp?Finally, we go deep into Tiago Splitter’s defensive options.Should Chicago switch everything with Nic Claxton, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson? Or should Claxton remain closer to the rim while perimeter defenders fight over screens?We break down selective switching, higher screen coverage, rim protection and what these choices could mean against combinations like Jalen Brunson–Karl-Anthony Towns and Donovan Mitchell–Evan Mobley.🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is Chicago Bulls lead executive Bryson Graham already being judged too harshly before his rebuild has really had time to breathe?On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize reacts to an editorial ranking that placed Chicago’s front office in its lowest tier. The key distinction: this is one writer’s evaluation, not a poll of NBA executives. The bigger question is whether Graham should be graded on the current roster, his first offseason decisions, or his still-unproven ability to eventually build a contender.Chicago’s offseason added Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Norman Powell and Nic Claxton, giving Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis a much different supporting environment. Wilson represents a major bet on upside, Swain adds another developmental swing, Powell brings shooting and scoring, and Claxton gives Chicago a defensive anchor and finishing target.But Graham still has major questions to answer: can Chicago develop Swain, find value outside the lottery, make smart veteran trades, identify which young players deserve future contracts and eventually turn flexibility into meaningful talent?Then Haize explores the Alperen Şengün conversation.There is no verified report that Houston is shopping Şengün. In fact, recent reporting highlighted Rockets executive Rafael Stone working to strengthen communication with him. But if Houston ever reconsidered its current construction, what circumstances could actually make a trade possible — and what would Chicago have to surrender?Potential frameworks could involve Nic Claxton, Matas Buzelis and significant first-round compensation, or a larger package built around Claxton, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue and additional draft capital. These are valuation exercises, not reported Houston asking prices.Finally, should Tiago Splitter encourage a questionable shooting Bulls roster to launch MORE threes?The argument isn’t about chucking shots. It’s about generating the right attempts through Josh Giddey–Claxton pick-and-rolls, paint touches, defensive rotations and movement. An open balanced miss can be a better developmental possession than a rushed make that violates the offense.🔥 Chicago Bulls Central with Haize breaks down the front-office debate, Şengün’s hypothetical trade price, Matas and Caleb’s future, Chicago’s asset strategy and how Splitter can build a modern shooting philosophy.Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Caleb Wilson hasn’t played a regular-season NBA game yet, and HoopsHype already has the Chicago Bulls rookie ranked among the league’s top 15 power forwards.On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down why the ranking is exciting — but also why Wilson’s development as a playmaker could matter even more than where he appears on a preseason list.Wilson already showed a foundation as a passer at North Carolina, averaging 2.7 assists while producing multiple six-assist performances. The next step isn’t asking him to become Chicago’s full-time offensive engine immediately. It’s testing whether he can extend advantages after the defense has already been shifted.Tiago Splitter could explore Wilson as a grab-and-go transition creator, short-roll passer, elbow facilitator and occasional ball-screen initiator. The biggest developmental question is whether Caleb can make quick, accurate reads without slowing down Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis or Nic Claxton.Haize also breaks down the three biggest signs of real Bulls chemistry during the first 25 games.Chicago opens with six of its first eight games on the road, so early mistakes should be expected. What matters is whether offensive timing improves, defensive rotations become connected and players continue executing when roles, minutes and results become uncomfortable.Finally, Jaylin Sellers just gave Bulls fans an inside look at the mentality behind his NBA journey.Sellers documented the exhausting pre-draft process, the disappointment of going undrafted and the confidence that keeps driving him. His message was clear: he doesn’t believe 60 players in the 2026 draft were better than him. Now Chicago’s two-way guard has to turn that belief into defense, shooting, quick decisions and consistent production whenever his opportunity arrives.🔥 Topics include:Caleb Wilson’s top-15 power-forward rankingCaleb’s playmaking ceilingShort-roll passing with Josh GiddeyCaleb and Nic Claxton’s offensive fitHow Wilson can make Matas Buzelis betterThree signs of genuine Bulls chemistryOffensive timing and spacingDefensive communicationHow players respond to changing rolesJaylin Sellers’ NBA Draft journeyWhy Sellers believes teams made a mistakeHis path from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Taj Gibson is officially back with the Chicago Bulls — but his return could matter far more than simply giving fans a familiar face on the coaching staff.On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down which young Bulls could benefit most from Gibson beginning his first NBA coaching job after a 17-year playing career that included more than 1,000 games. Gibson built his NBA longevity through physical defense, rebounding, screening, preparation and adapting to whatever role his team needed.That makes Tobe Awaka an obvious potential pupil. Gibson can help the young big establish contact before rebounding, use leverage against taller centers, set better screens, defend without fouling and finish quickly around the basket.But Taj’s influence could extend much further.Caleb Wilson can learn how to handle NBA physicality while remaining productive without the ball. Matas Buzelis can take another step toward becoming a legitimate two-way star by improving his rebounding, positioning and physical defense. Leonard Miller can learn how to turn flashes of energy and athleticism into a defined NBA role. And Dailyn Swain and Jaylin Sellers can learn how to earn minutes through defense, cutting, rebounding and preparation even when their shots aren’t falling.Haize also dives into how Norman Powell can remain a 20-point scorer without taking developmental touches away from Matas, Caleb and Josh Giddey. Instead of relying on isolation possessions, Chicago can use Powell as a moving weapon through pindowns, dribble handoffs with Nic Claxton, Spain pick-and-rolls, ghost screens and weak-side actions.Finally, the Bulls may have an even more important training-camp battle than reserve scoring:Who becomes Chicago’s perimeter stopper?The Bulls allowed 121.5 points per game last season, and while Claxton can improve the back line, Chicago still needs someone capable of taking the toughest guard and wing assignments. Isaac Okoro enters as the safest option, while Dailyn Swain, Tre Jones, Jaylin Sellers, Matas and Caleb all offer different possibilities. 🔥 Topics include:Taj Gibson’s return to ChicagoTobe Awaka’s developmentCaleb Wilson’s physical growthMatas Buzelis becoming a two-way forceLeonard Miller’s roleDailyn Swain and Jaylin Sellers earning minutesNic Claxton’s leadership responsibilitiesNorman Powell’s offensive roleTiago Splitter’s movement offenseChicago’s training-camp stopper battleIsaac Okoro vs Dailyn SwainWho should guard the East’s best perimeter stars?🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy