Chicago Bulls appoint Hawks executive Bryson Graham as new basketball operations chief in 2026

The Chicago Bulls named Atlanta Hawks executive Bryson Graham as their new executive vice president of basketball operations in 2026.

New Hire Announcement The Chicago Bulls officially named Bryson Graham, a senior vice president with the Atlanta Hawks, as their new executive vice president of basketball operations. The announcement came on Monday in a team statement. Graham brings 15 years of experience in basketball operations, including a decade in New Orleans from 2010 to 2015 before joining Atlanta last offseason. Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh hired Graham as his top executive from New Orleans in the summer of 2025. ## Executive Background At 39 years old, Graham has built a strong reputation in the NBA for his exceptional scouting abilities. His draft success includes selecting Trey Murphy III with the 17th overall pick, Herb Jones at 35, Dyson Daniels at 8, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker at 17. Daniels and Alexander-Walker later won Most Improved Player awards in consecutive seasons. Graham also played a key role in trade discussions between the Pelicans and Hawks last year, securing Atlanta’s 2026 first-round draft pick, one of the most valuable assets heading into this year’s draft. ## Team Statement Highlights The Bulls praised Graham’s rise from entry-level roles to leadership positions, noting his deep organizational knowledge. "He has worked his way up through basketball operations from the ground level, and that experience has given him a deep understanding of how to build and sustain a successful organization," the team stated. They also highlighted his communication skills, disciplined decision-making, and ability to connect with players and staff. The statement emphasized his understanding of modern players and talent development needs. ## Hiring Process Details The Bulls conducted in-person interviews with candidates last week and narrowed their choices to three finalists over the weekend. The finalists included Graham, Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, and Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd. Bulls President and COO Michael Reinsdorf expanded the search by hiring a search firm and interviewing candidates league-wide. Among those considered were Cleveland Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey, San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep, and Boston Celtics assistant GM Dave Lewin. ## Historical Context Graham becomes the third person to lead the Bulls’ basketball operations since 2000. John Paxson served in the role from 2009 to 2020, followed by Arturas Karnisovas, who was dismissed just before the final week of the 2025-26 regular season after six years. His tenure concluded shortly before the team announced Graham’s hiring on Monday. The Bulls have struggled with consistency, finishing the season 29-51 and missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year. ## Roster and Challenges Ahead Graham inherits a roster with multiple young players such as Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Tre Jones, and Noa Essengue. Essengue, drafted in the lottery last season, appeared in only two games before requiring surgery that ended his year. The Bulls also need to fill their head coaching vacancy after Billy Donovan stepped down following six seasons. Off the court, the franchise holds valuable assets including their own 2026 lottery selection, Portland’s 2026 first-round pick acquired in the Lauri Markkanen trade, and nearly $60 million in cap space.