The Chicago Bulls have initiated a high-stakes general manager search after parting ways with executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley, marking a significant reset for the franchise’s leadership structure. As the organization turns the page on its recent front-office era, multiple high-profile candidates have surfaced as potential successors, blending internal familiarity, player-development expertise, and league-wide influence.
Leading the list of names under consideration is Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd. A Chicago native with deep roots in the organization, Lloyd spent 13 years working for the Bulls before rising to his current role in Minnesota. His local connections and proven track record in talent evaluation make him a logical and intriguing option as the Bulls seek stability and institutional knowledge.
NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin has spotlighted several other compelling targets worth monitoring as Chicago’s search gains momentum. Among them:
- Hawks assistant general manager Kyle Korver: The former NBA sharpshooter retired from playing in 2020 and joined Atlanta’s front office in the summer of 2022 as director of player affairs and development. He was promoted to assistant GM in January 2023, demonstrating a swift rise in scouting, player relations, and organizational development.
- Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr.: Currently leading Golden State’s front office, Dunleavy remains a name on Chicago’s radar. Helin cautions, however, that Dunleavy is “highly unlikely” to depart the defending champions, suggesting his inclusion may represent more of a wish-list aspiration than an immediate realistic target.
- Former Hawks GM Landry Fields: At 37, Fields brings a unique blend of on-court experience and front-office acumen. After playing five NBA seasons, he transitioned into executive roles, serving as Atlanta’s general manager for three years before his departure last April. Earlier this year, he was named president of league operations for Overtime Elite, keeping him actively engaged in basketball operations at the highest levels.
- CAA co-head Austin Brown: One of the NBA’s most influential agents and co-head of CAA’s basketball division, Brown has been linked to front-office opportunities before, including Atlanta’s search last May. His client roster features elite talent such as Donovan Mitchell, Cooper Flagg, Trae Young, Jaren Jackson Jr., and OG Anunoby, giving him unparalleled insight into player representation, contract negotiations, and modern roster construction.
The Bulls’ search reflects a deliberate effort to identify leaders who can deliver fresh strategic vision while navigating the complexities of today’s NBA landscape. Whether the franchise leans toward a familiar face like Lloyd, a rising executive like Korver, a proven operator like Fields, an agent-turned-executive like Brown, or an established name like Dunleavy, the decision will carry long-term implications for roster building, player development, and competitive trajectory.
For now, the process remains in its early stages, but the caliber of candidates already linked to the vacancy underscores the seriousness with which Chicago is approaching this pivotal rebuild of its basketball operations department. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which direction the Bulls ultimately choose as they aim to restore contention in the Eastern Conference.