The Departure of AKME: The Chicago Bulls Are Done Standing Still

BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls have dismissed executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/R3Ev3RVSyL

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 6, 2026

**The Illusion of Progress**

When Karnišovas and Eversley arrived in 2020, the plan was clear: skip the painful rebuild and accelerate into relevance. For a moment, it worked, or at least it appeared to. The 2021–22 Bulls felt alive. They played fast, won games early, and gave the United Center a sense of energy it hadn’t felt in years. It looked like the blueprint had landed. But that version of the Bulls never evolved. Instead of adjusting when flaws became clear, the front office leaned into continuity. The belief was that internal growth would raise the ceiling. In reality, it just confirmed where the ceiling already was.

Bulls record at the All-Star break under Artūras Karnišovas:

2020-21: 16–18 2021-22: 38–21 (8-15 post break) 2022-23: 26–33 2023-24: 27–29 2024-25: 22–33 2025-26: 24–31 entering the break#Bulls#BullsNation

— See Red Fred (@cbefred) February 13, 2026

**Stuck in the Middle**

The modern NBA punishes hesitation more than anything else. The worst place to be isn’t the bottom; it’s the middle. That’s exactly where the Bulls lived. They weren’t aggressive sellers when the roster plateaued. They weren’t bold buyers to push themselves into contention. They hovered, collecting play-in appearances and short-lived optimism, but never building real momentum. And over time, that stagnation became their identity. The rest of the league moved with purpose. Chicago stayed still.

The Bulls aren’t good enough to be a play-in team.

They’re not bad enough to fall behind the Nets, Pacers, Wizards.

Likely being stuck between 11th & 12th seed for the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/9mhmnaWcSx

— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@Bullsfans) February 12, 2026

**Why This Reset Matters**

This change isn’t just about new leadership, it’s about new freedom. For the first time in years, the Bulls can evaluate themselves honestly. A new front office won’t be tied to past decisions, contracts, or pride. It can choose a direction without trying to justify what came before. That matters more than any single move. Whether the next step is a full rebuild or a strategic retool, the key is commitment. The Bulls don’t need perfection right away; they need a plan they’re willing to follow all the way through. Because what failed wasn’t just the roster. It was the lack of conviction behind it.

"I don't think Bulls fans should have to hear AK speak ever again…We need to hear from Michael or Jerry."

@Bulls\_Peck on who needs to take accountability for where the Bulls are pic.twitter.com/RgIni6TtKV

— CHGO Bulls (@CHGO\_Bulls) April 1, 2026

**A Franchise That Needs an Identity**

The next era of Bulls basketball has to answer a simple question: What are they? For too long, the answer has been unclear. A team trying to compete without the firepower to do it. A team holding onto pieces without a vision for how they fit. That can’t happen again.

AK Era Trades (Bulls)

2021:

– WCJ+2 lottery picks for Vooch – Lauri for possible 2nds – 1st for DeMar

2024:

– Caruso for Giddey – DeMar for 2nds

2025: – LaVine for Huerter/Collins, got 1st back

2026:

– Ayo for Dillingham+2nds – Coby for 2nds – Vooch for… pic.twitter.com/NVLjagVYXe

— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@Bullsfans) February 7, 2026 A new regime has the opportunity to redefine everything— from roster construction to player development to how the team wants to play. It’s not just about adding talent; it’s about building something that actually makes sense. Chicago doesn’t need to rush. It needs to be intentional.

**Why Bulls Fans Should Believe Again**

Change doesn’t guarantee success. But it creates the possibility of it. And for Bulls fans, that’s enough to feel something again. Because this isn’t just a reset, it’s a release. A chance to move on from a cycle that felt predictable and start building toward something real. Something sustainable. Something that actually has a future. Chicago doesn’t need another quick fix or short-term push. It needs a team with purpose, one that knows exactly where it’s going and isn’t afraid to take the long road to get there. For the first time in a while, the Bulls have that chance. And this time, they can’t afford to waste it.

Stacey doesn’t hold back on the Bulls Front Office struggles over the years

“With AK and Mark (Eversley)…one minute you are going this way, then the next minute you’re kind of going another way…we need to pick a lane”

Agree or disagree?

pic.twitter.com/oXh0LeL4Li

— Gimme The Hot Sauce Podcast (@gimmehotsauce21) April 10, 2026