CHICAGO — While the NBA Draft Combine buzzed in Illinois this week, the Chicago Bulls front office was already in full rebuild mode, moving with urgency and precision under new Executive Vice President Bryson Graham.
On Thursday, the Bulls finalized a significant addition to their basketball operations department, agreeing to hire Orlando Magic assistant general manager Stephen Mervis as Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania. In a parallel move, the team is also bringing in Brooklyn Nets executive Acie Law as Vice President of Player Personnel.
The hires signal Graham’s aggressive approach to reshaping the Bulls’ front office from top to bottom as the franchise commits to a new chapter.
A Proven Architect Joins the Bulls
Mervis spent 12 years rising through the ranks in Orlando, becoming one of the more respected executives in the league. He was a key carryover from the Rob Hennigan era and played a central role in the Magic’s recent ascent into a consistent Eastern Conference contender. His responsibilities included cap management, trade negotiations, strategic planning, player evaluation, and CBA matters.
League insiders speak highly of the addition.
“Extremely smart executive. Strong in trade negotiations and general strategy. Well-connected with other execs throughout the league,” said Sporting News’ Steph Noh. “Seems like a great hire for the Bulls.”
SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell echoed the sentiment: “Mervis is deeply connected around the league, and should be able to help with other hires. I’ve also heard he’s fantastic with cap management and negotiation. Great addition to the Bulls front office by Bryson Graham.”
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line highlighted Mervis’ reputation as “one of the more regarded cap minds in the NBA,” noting his involvement as a backbone of the annual Tulane Pro Basketball Negotiation Competition.
In Chicago, Mervis steps into a more prominent role, working directly under Graham to guide basketball operations during what promises to be a transformative period for the franchise.
Strengthening Player Personnel and Scouting
Complementing Mervis is Acie Law, who joins as Vice President of Player Personnel. Law held scouting and draft-focused roles for the Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City Thunder from 2018 to 2025. A former NBA player with four seasons of experience — including a stint with the Bulls in 2009-10 — Law also shares a college connection with Graham, as the two were teammates on the Texas A&M men’s basketball team.
The dual hires reflect a deliberate strategy: blending sharp front-office acumen with on-court experience and established league relationships.
A Franchise in Transition
The Bulls are undergoing sweeping changes. Head coach Billy Donovan, despite signing an extension last summer and enjoying initial support, ultimately decided to step down. With Donovan’s departure, both the coaching staff and front office are being revamped as Chicago embraces a full rebuild.
Graham has moved quickly, whether parting ways with the previous NBA G League GM or bringing in former players to bolster scouting and player development. The addition of Mervis — widely viewed as instrumental to Orlando’s strategic foundation — suggests the Bulls are not content with a slow, incremental rebuild. Instead, they are positioning themselves to become a more calculated, opportunistic organization capable of competing in a stacked Eastern Conference.
Mervis’ track record in trade negotiations, salary-cap maneuvering, and long-term planning could prove invaluable as the Bulls look to accumulate assets, develop young talent, and eventually pounce on opportunities in free agency or via blockbuster deals.
The message from Chicago this week has been clear: the sleeping giant is not merely stirring. It is methodically arming itself with the personnel and expertise needed to challenge the conference’s elite.
Lakers, Celtics, and Bucks — take notice. The Bulls are building with intent.
