Chicago Bulls Hire Bryson Graham as EVP, Eyeing Rebuild with Fresh Talent Evaluation Focus
May 4, 2026
The Chicago Bulls have hired Bryson Graham as Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, bringing in a talent evaluator with extensive experience from the Atlanta Hawks.
Graham expresses a clear commitment to building a winning culture and player development, emphasizing sustained success through strong culture and development systems.
He previously spent 15 years with the New Orleans Pelicans, rising from intern to general manager, where he helped shape the drafting and development of key young players.
The move is expected to impact the Hawks’ plans, including draft considerations, while the Bulls project confidence in their organizational strength.
A formal introductory press conference is planned for the coming days.
Observers compare Graham’s hire to other franchise leaders and note cautious optimism about whether his eye for talent can translate into sustained success.
The Bulls’ familiarity with the Hawks could influence strategic moves as both teams compete in the same conference and division.
There is ongoing speculation about possible coaching moves, including interest in former Bulls coaches as part of the leadership discussion.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported the hiring, with ongoing NBA insider coverage from Hoops Wire for further updates.
The Bulls enter the draft lottery with a 20.3% chance to land a top-four pick, highlighting questions about immediate roster impact beyond recent first-round selections.
The Bulls’ search involved a firm linked to Michael Reinsdorf, and questions remain about whether staff from prior regimes will be retained or replaced.
The choice reflects an unconventional path, selecting a younger, high-potential executive over more established names to leverage talent evaluation during a potential rebuild window.
Summary based on 36 sources
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Sources

AP News • May 4, 2026
Bulls hire Hawks executive Bryson Graham to lead front office | AP News
Yahoo Sports • May 4, 2026
Bulls hire Bryson Graham as next VP of basketball operations amid search for new GM, head coach
Yahoo Sports • May 4, 2026
Chicago Bulls hire Atlanta Hawks executive Bryson Graham to lead their front office
The Athletic • May 4, 2026
Bulls name Bryson Graham new Executive VP of Basketball Operations