The Chicago Bulls’ roster is rebuilding, and NBA rebuilds now require old guys

Writer Morris Bankston argues that the Chicago Bulls and other rebuilding NBA teams are shifting strategies away from traditional tanking toward adding veteran players. Following anti-tanking rule changes approved by the NBA Board of Governors in May 2026, rebuilding franchises are prioritizing experienced talent to avoid competitive penalties.

According to Bankston, the Bulls added 33-year-olds Norman Powell and Buddy Hield alongside rookie Caleb Wilson and Josh Giddey to raise their competitive floor. Other rebuilding teams have similarly acquired older veterans, including the Memphis Grizzlies adding Jerami Grant and the Washington Wizards bringing in Khris Middleton.