Acquisition of Nic Claxton
Grade: A-
The Bulls acquired Nic Claxton in a three-team deal that sent Julius Randle to the Nets. Chicago absorbed Claxton’s $23.3 million salary but did not have to surrender significant assets in return. Rather than chasing free-agent splash plays, the Bulls used cap space to facilitate a trade that brought in a young, potential-rich center who fits their timeline better than a veteran presence would.
Claxton, 27, comes with two years left on his deal and offers a defensive anchor who can switch, run the floor, and finish above the rim. He posted 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game last season, shooting 57% from the field. The increased assist production is a plus for a lineup featuring Jeremy Giddey and several developing forwards, as it helps keep the offense proactive rather than stagnant.
While Claxton isn’t a standout shooter and his rebounding dipped somewhat, the fit is strong. The Bulls gain a legitimate rim protector who can elevate Chicago’s interior defense and provide a reliable presence for younger bigs like Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson to learn from. Given the cost and the lack of heavy asset expenditure, this move represents solid value and a clear path toward long-term competitive balance.
Re-Signing Zach Collins
Grade: B-
Zach Collins signed a two-year, $17 million deal with a team option on the second year. The option is significant due to Collins’ injury history; he played only 10 games last season before undergoing toe surgery.
When healthy, Collins can function as a versatile big man who can stretch the floor, pass from the short roll, and play both center and power forward depending on the matchup. He averaged 9.7 points and 5.6 rebounds in limited action last season. The tradeoff is the cost: $8.5 million annually is a substantial commitment for a player with limited availability.
This signing provides depth behind Claxton while the Bulls continue to develop their young frontcourt, including Buzelis and Wilson. It isn’t a flashy move, but it offers practical value and a bridge role, helping the team stay competitive without overcommitting long-term.
Signing Norman Powell
Grade: B+
Powell’s two-year, $45 million contract with a team option in year two marked the offseason’s most impactful move. After an All-Star-level season with the Heat, Powell averaged 21.7 points per game and shot 38% from three last year. The question is why a rebuilding team would invest this much in a 33-year-old scorer. The answer lies in utility: Powell provides a veteran presence who can space the floor, create off the dribble, and execute in late-clock moments, all of which helps the young core develop without forcing them into high-usage roles prematurely.
Powell complements Giddey and the rookies by offering a reliable scoring option who can attack closeouts and maintain offensive flow without dominating the ball. His presence alleviates some of the pressure on rookies like Buzelis and Swain, allowing them to learn on a more stable offensive framework. The inclusion of a team option in year two preserves flexibility; if Powell performs well and fits the system, the Bulls can retain him, or they can move him if needed.
Letting Collin Sexton Walk
Grade: C+
After acquiring Sexton midseason in a trade, Chicago let him depart for the Lakers on a two-year, $19 million deal. Sexton averaged 15.4 points on 40% shooting from three last season, a solid but not transformative contribution given the price. The decision to let him walk, particularly after giving up future assets to obtain him, leaves a sour taste in hindsight. The Bulls could have explored keeping Sexton or extracting more value, especially since Powell was already in the fold and the backcourt was becoming crowded with young players on the roster.
Overall Free Agency Grade: B+
The Bulls’ approach this offseason was thoughtful and cohesive. They absorbed Claxton’s deal to secure a promising starter without overpaying in free agency, re-signed Collins to provide interior depth, and added Powell to stabilize the offense and guide younger players. Letting Sexton walk prevented a potential logjam in the backcourt and preserved some flexibility, although the trade that brought Sexton in still weighs on the perception of the overall moves.
There are clear concerns, too. Collins’ injury history remains a risk, Powell is a veteran at an age where teams often prioritize youth development, and Chicago still lacks a top-tier talent capable of moving the needle on a championship trajectory. Still, this offseason felt more purposeful than recent years, with a clear direction rather than a series of disconnected moves.
Financially, the Bulls are now over the salary cap but remain below the first apron, maintaining flexibility for future maneuvers. They hold the Room Mid-Level Exception (approximately $9.4 million) and retain options for adding talent via trades or future cap-friendly moves. This is meaningful for a rebuilding team: the ability to absorb salary in trades and to keep developing their young core while preserving options for incremental improvements.
In sum, the Bulls’ summer reset shows progress toward a more deliberate, sustainable build. The combination of Claxton’s rim protection, Collins’ floor-stretching versatility, and Powell’s veteran scoring gives the team a better chance to compete in the near term while continuing to cultivate a promising core. The path remains uncertain, but the direction is clearer, with enough cap space and strategic moves to remain flexible as Chicago grows and evolves.
