In a significant shift for the Chicago Bulls, the franchise has officially waived Chris Duarte and Torrey Craig as part of the preparations for the recently finalized Zach LaVine trade. This move cements the Bulls’ intent to reshape their roster and welcome new faces to the team.

The trade, which fans anticipated, marks a new chapter for the Bulls as they look to realign their lineup. With LaVine leaving, the Bulls are now focused on integrating incoming players: Zach Collins, Trey Jones, and Kevin Huerter, along with a valuable 2025 first-round pick. These strategic adjustments signify the Bulls’ commitment to a more dynamic and youthful team structure.

Podcast host Hayes expressed his thoughts on this transaction during an episode of “Chicago Bulls Central,” stating, “It’s the exact deal we already knew about—there’s no surprise in that.” The need to expedite this trade before the Bulls’ next game showcases the urgency felt within the organization, aiming to ensure all players are accounted for before game day.

While Craig and Duarte’s contributions during their tenure with the Bulls were acknowledged, the decision to waive them has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Hayes remarked, “It really sucks that the Bulls didn’t manage to make a trade for Torrey Craig,” highlighting the struggle the front office faced in maximizing value from their roster before making cuts.

In a statement regarding LaVine, the Bulls’ executive, Arturas Karnisovas, emphasized the player’s impact, stating, “Zach has been a cornerstone for this organization and city. His work ethic and passion for the game have been inspiring.” Despite the bittersweet feelings surrounding LaVine’s departure, the focus now pivots to the future and the incoming talent who will attempt to fill the void left behind.

Moving forward, the Bulls are not finished in their pursuit of roster changes. Hayes mentioned the potential for further trades before the upcoming deadline, indicating that the front office is still exploring options. “The Bulls don’t seem to be done,” he noted, hinting at the possibility of shuffling around other players as the organization seeks a more competitive lineup.

While this transition is marked with uncertainty, Bulls fans are hopeful for a fresh start. Hayes concluded with a pragmatic outlook, stating, “If the Bulls are willing to take this back for LaVine, they may be open to moving other assets for the right deal.”

As the dust settles on this roster shake-up, anticipation builds for how the new additions will impact the team’s performance in the coming games. Will these moves catalyze a turnaround for the Bulls? Only time will tell as the franchise embarks on what promises to be an intriguing season ahead.