Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

Locked On Podcast Network
Locked On Podcast Network
  • 4.5 (412)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Daily

Locked On Bulls podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Chicago Bulls and the NBA. Hosts Cordaro ‘Haize’ Johnson and Pat the Designer Morenzoni provide expert, local analysis with a daily dose of Bulls news, recaps, fan reactions and some of the best Bulls’ guests 5 days a week. Locked On Bulls takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Bulls locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Bulls podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

  1. 6h ago

    Should The Bulls Help Denver? Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson Or Christian Braun Trade Debate 👀

    The Chicago Bulls may have a chance to take advantage of another team’s financial pressure — but should they actually help the Denver Nuggets get out of a second-apron problem? 👀🐂   On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer debate whether the Bulls should consider taking on one of Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, or Christian Braun if Denver needs financial relief. Would one of those players give Chicago a real upgrade, or would the Bulls be helping another team without getting enough long-term value back?   The guys break down each possible fit. Aaron Gordon would bring size, defense, toughness, and playoff experience, but does he fit the Bulls’ timeline? Cam Johnson would answer Chicago’s shooting concerns immediately, but what would the cost be? Christian Braun fits the younger, athletic wing profile, but is he enough of an upside swing for Bryson Graham to use assets or financial flexibility?   Haize and Pat also look at where the Bulls rank in a suddenly deeper Eastern Conference. With teams across the East improving, can Chicago realistically climb into the Play-In conversation, or are the Bulls still closer to the bottom than fans want to admit? The discussion centers on how Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell, Nic Claxton, Tiago Splitter, and the rest of the roster stack up against the East.   Plus, the guys react to CBS Sports ranking the Bulls front office 23rd in the NBA. Is that a fair ranking for a front office still early in the Bryson Graham era? Or should the Bulls get more credit for resetting direction, adding young talent, and creating a clearer developmental plan?   Topics Include: Should the Bulls help Denver escape the second apron? Aaron Gordon as a possible Bulls trade target Cam Johnson’s shooting fit in Chicago Christian Braun as a young wing option What Bryson Graham should demand in any Denver deal Where the Bulls rank in the deeper Eastern Conference Can Chicago compete for a Play-In spot? CBS Sports ranking Bulls front office 23rd Is the front office criticism fair or premature? Bulls offseason outlook before training camp   The Bulls are not expected to make a major move, but Denver’s financial situation could create an opportunity. The question is whether Chicago should use its flexibility to chase a real roster upgrade — or avoid helping a contender unless the return is too good to pass up.   🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Denver trade possibilities, the Bulls’ place in the new-look Eastern Conference, and whether CBS Sports is right to rank Chicago’s front office 23rd. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 8h ago

    Can The Bulls’ Defense SAVE Their Shooting Problem? Tiago Splitter’s Biggest Test 👀🐂

    The Chicago Bulls may have a real shooting problem heading into the 2026-27 NBA season — but can a great defense cover it up? 👀🐂   On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down how good the Bulls’ defense needs to be if Chicago is going to overcome its lack of consistent three-point shooting. With a roster built around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, Isaac Okoro, Patrick Williams, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Tre Jones, Jalen Smith, Zach Collins, and Rob Dillingham, the Bulls have talent — but spacing remains one of the biggest concerns.   The guys discuss why Chicago may not just need a good defense, but a top-10 defense to have a real chance at being competitive. If the Bulls are going to struggle with shooting, Tiago Splitter’s team must defend, rebound, force turnovers, run in transition, and create easy offense from stops.   Haize and Pat also look at how Nic Claxton can anchor the defense, how Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson can create chaos with their length and athleticism, and whether Isaac Okoro and Patrick Williams can become reliable defensive weapons in Splitter’s system.   But the bigger question remains: can defense carry a team far enough in today’s NBA if the shooting is below average?   Topics Include: How good does the Bulls defense need to be? Can Chicago overcome a lack of three-point shooting? Why a top-10 defense may be the minimum expectation Nic Claxton’s role as the defensive anchor Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson as defensive playmakers Can Isaac Okoro become Tiago Splitter’s stopper? How defense can create easier offense for Josh Giddey Bulls transition offense and points off turnovers Can Chicago win ugly in the modern NBA? Tiago Splitter’s biggest year-one challenge   The Bulls do not have to become an elite shooting team overnight, but if they are going to beat expectations, their defense has to become their identity. A top-10 defense gives Chicago a path. A top-5 defense gives the Bulls a chance to shock people. Anything less could make the shooting concerns impossible to ignore.   🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down whether the Bulls’ defense can save their shooting problem and what Tiago Splitter must build in year one. Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner   Support us by supporting our sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors:   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. 4d ago

    Bulls Hire Jordan Brink! Did Bryson Graham’s Offseason Deserve The Criticism? 👀🐂

    The Chicago Bulls are adding another voice to Tiago Splitter’s staff, and this move could matter a lot for the future of the young core. 👀🐂   On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to the Bulls hiring Jordan Brink and what his role could mean for player development in Chicago. With young pieces like Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Rob Dillingham, Jaylin Sellers, and Patrick Williams, the Bulls need more than just talent — they need a real development plan.   The guys discuss how Brink could help build structure, accountability, and growth habits around a roster that is still trying to turn upside into reliable NBA production. Can this coaching staff finally help Chicago develop players at a higher level than fans have seen in recent years?   Haize and Pat also revisit the three most criticized moves of Bryson Graham’s first offseason running the Bulls. Was it the lack of a bigger swing trade? Not adding enough shooting? The handling of second-round picks? The Zach Collins deal? Or the decision to stay patient instead of pushing harder to reshape the roster immediately?   Plus, the guys react to the Bulls being ranked as the 6th most profitable NBA franchise last season and what that says about expectations for ownership, spending, and roster-building. If Chicago remains one of the league’s strongest business machines, should fans expect a more aggressive basketball operation?   Topics Include: Bulls hire Jordan Brink What Brink can bring to player development How the Bulls can help Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, and Matas Buzelis Tiago Splitter’s coaching staff taking shape The three most criticized Bryson Graham offseason moves Did the Bulls do enough to fix shooting and depth? Was Chicago too patient this offseason? Bulls ranked 6th most profitable NBA franchise What profitability should mean for expectations Are the Bulls building like a big-market franchise?   The Bulls are trying to build a new era around development, patience, and long-term upside. But when the franchise is this profitable, fans have every right to ask whether Chicago should be moving with more urgency.   🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Jordan Brink hire, the most criticized moves of Bryson Graham’s offseason, and what the Bulls’ profitability says about the franchise’s future.   Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner   Support us by supporting our sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors:   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Aug 11

    What Every Bulls Starter MUST Bring This Season! Most Impactful Player Since Jimmy? 👀🐂

    The Chicago Bulls’ starting five is set to be one of the most important storylines of the 2026-27 NBA season — but what does each starter actually need to bring for this team to take a step forward? 👀🐂   On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down expectations for every projected Bulls starter: Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Nic Claxton. Each player has a different job, and each one could define how competitive Chicago becomes under Tiago Splitter.   Can Josh Giddey control the offense, improve as a shooter, and prove he is a long-term core piece? Can Norman Powell give the Bulls the veteran scoring and floor spacing they desperately need? Is Matas Buzelis ready to take another leap as a two-way forward? What should Bulls fans realistically expect from Caleb Wilson as a rookie? And can Nic Claxton become the defensive anchor who changes Chicago’s identity?   Haize and Pat also debate the most impactful Chicago Bulls player since the Jimmy Butler era. Has anyone truly changed the direction of the franchise since Jimmy left? Is the answer Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey — or someone else entirely?   Plus, the guys discuss how teams should manage and protect first-round picks in the modern NBA. With the new CBA making roster-building harder and draft capital more valuable, should the Bulls be more careful with future picks? When should a team protect picks, trade picks, or hold them for a major opportunity?   Topics Include: Expectations for every Bulls starter in 2026-27 What Josh Giddey must bring as lead playmaker Norman Powell’s role as veteran scorer and shooter Matas Buzelis’ next step as a two-way forward Caleb Wilson’s rookie-year responsibilities Nic Claxton’s impact as Chicago’s defensive anchor Most impactful Bull since Jimmy Butler How the Bulls should value first-round picks Modern NBA roster-building and draft protection Tiago Splitter’s challenge with a rebuilt starting five   The Bulls have talent, but now every starter has to bring something specific to the table. If the starting five clicks, Chicago could be more competitive than expected. If it does not, the conversation shifts back to patience, development, and how Bryson Graham manages the future.   🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down what each Bulls starter must bring this season, who has been the most impactful Bull since Jimmy Butler, and how Chicago should handle first-round picks in the modern NBA. Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner   Support us by supporting our sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors:   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Aug 11

    Bulls Could Land Bennedict Mathurin?! Okoro Sign-And-Trade Rumor Heats Up

    The Chicago Bulls rumor mill is heating back up, and Bennedict Mathurin is once again at the center of the conversation. 👀🐂   On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Brett Siegel reporting that a possible sign-and-trade framework involving Bennedict Mathurin, Isaac Okoro, and second-round picks could be on the table. Would Mathurin be the kind of upside swing Bryson Graham should still be looking for? Or would moving Okoro and draft capital be too aggressive for a Bulls team still trying to evaluate its rebuilt roster?   The guys break down what Bennedict Mathurin could bring to Chicago, including scoring upside, athleticism, shot creation, rim pressure, and another young wing who fits the Bulls’ timeline with Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, and Noa Essengue. But they also discuss the concerns: defensive fit, offensive overlap, contract value, and whether Chicago should be careful about giving up assets before seeing this roster under Tiago Splitter.   Haize and Pat also react to The Athletic ranking the Bulls’ offseason 13th in the NBA. Is that a sign the national media is starting to respect what Bryson Graham has built? Or should Chicago’s offseason still be viewed with caution because of the remaining questions around shooting, depth, and star-level upside?   Plus, the guys discuss Nic Claxton arriving in Chicago ahead of training camp and why his presence matters. Claxton could be the defensive anchor this team has needed, giving the Bulls rim protection, switchability, rebounding, and a real identity in the frontcourt.   Topics Include: Brett Siegel’s Bennedict Mathurin sign-and-trade report Isaac Okoro and second-round picks as a possible framework Should the Bulls pursue Mathurin? What Mathurin would bring to Chicago’s young core The Athletic ranking the Bulls offseason 13th Did Bryson Graham have an underrated first offseason? Nic Claxton arriving in Chicago before training camp Claxton’s defensive impact on the Bulls How Tiago Splitter can shape the new-look roster Bulls trade rumors and offseason outlook   The Bulls have already made major changes, but the Mathurin rumor shows Chicago may not be completely done looking for upside. With Claxton in town, training camp approaching, and national outlets starting to recognize the Bulls’ offseason, the question now is simple: should Bryson Graham make one more big swing?   🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Bennedict Mathurin sign-and-trade buzz, The Athletic’s offseason ranking, and what Nic Claxton’s arrival means for the Bulls ahead of training camp.   #ChicagoBulls #BullsNation #LockedOnBulls #BennedictMathurin #IsaacOkoro #NicClaxton #BrysonGraham #TiagoSplitter #JoshGiddey #MatasBuzelis #CalebWilson #NBA #NBARumors #SeeRed   Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA     Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner   Support us by supporting our sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors:   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Aug 8

    Are The Bulls Really A Bottom 3 Team?! Josh Giddey MIP Case & No More Moves Coming

    Are the Chicago Bulls really a bottom three team in the NBA, or is the national conversation already underrating what this new-look roster can become? 👀🐂   On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down whether the Bulls deserve to be viewed near the bottom of the league after an offseason that added Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, and Zach Collins while keeping Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, Rob Dillingham, and others in the mix.   The guys discuss why some analysts may see Chicago as one of the NBA’s weakest teams, but also why the Bulls may have enough young talent, defensive upside, transition play, and veteran scoring to outperform those low expectations. Is this team still flawed? Absolutely. But is it clearly bottom three? That debate is wide open.   Haize and Pat also dive into Josh Giddey’s Most Improved Player case heading into the 2026-27 season. If Giddey takes another step as a scorer, shooter, lead playmaker, and offensive organizer under Tiago Splitter, could he become a serious MIP candidate? The Bulls’ ceiling may depend heavily on whether Giddey proves the front office was right to view him as part of the core.   Plus, the guys react to the idea that no more major moves are coming for the Bulls before the season. Is Bryson Graham being smart by staying patient and evaluating the roster first? Or should Bulls fans be frustrated that Chicago still has clear needs, especially when it comes to shooting, wing depth, and lineup balance?   Topics Include: Are the Bulls a bottom three team in the NBA? Why national expectations are so low for Chicago Can the Bulls outperform their projections? Josh Giddey’s 2026-27 Most Improved Player case What Giddey must improve to enter the MIP conversation How Tiago Splitter can unlock Giddey’s game No more major Bulls moves expected Did Bryson Graham do enough this offseason? Bulls roster strengths and biggest concerns Chicago’s path to being better than people think   The Bulls may not be viewed as a serious threat nationally, but this season could be about proving the league wrong. If Josh Giddey levels up, Matas Buzelis takes another step, Caleb Wilson contributes early, and the defense improves with Nic Claxton anchoring the middle, Chicago may be more competitive than the bottom-three label suggests.   🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down whether the Bulls are truly one of the NBA’s worst teams, Josh Giddey’s Most Improved Player chances, and what it means if no more moves are coming before the season.     Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%.   Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Aug 3

    Bulls Trade Rumors Heat Up! Lakers & Wolves Want Jalen Smith… Is Isaac Okoro Tiago’s Secret Weapon?

    The Chicago Bulls rumor mill is heating up again, and this time the focus is on Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, and the truth behind the Bennedict Mathurin buzz. 👀🐂   On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down whether Isaac Okoro can become Tiago Splitter’s defensive weapon during the 2026-27 NBA season. Okoro may not be the flashiest player on the roster, but his physicality, point-of-attack defense, toughness, and ability to guard multiple perimeter positions could make him one of the most important role players in Chicago’s rotation.   The guys discuss how Okoro fits next to Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell, Nic Claxton, Patrick Williams, and the rest of the Bulls’ young core. Can Tiago use Okoro as a matchup piece against elite guards and wings? Or will the Bulls’ lack of shooting make it hard to keep him on the floor in key lineups?   Haize and Pat also dive into the latest trade buzz around Jalen Smith, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers reportedly interested. Should the Bulls consider moving Smith if the right offer comes along? Or does his size, rebounding, floor-spacing potential, and frontcourt depth make him too valuable to trade before the season starts?   Plus, the guys react to reports that the Bulls’ interest in Bennedict Mathurin may have been overstated. Was this a real pursuit, or just offseason smoke? And if Chicago is not seriously chasing Mathurin, what does that say about Bryson Graham’s approach to roster building?   Topics Include: Can Isaac Okoro be Tiago Splitter’s defensive weapon? How Okoro fits in the Bulls’ rotation Bulls’ need for perimeter defense and toughness Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers interest in Jalen Smith Should Chicago trade Jalen Smith? What Jalen Smith brings to the Bulls’ frontcourt Bennedict Mathurin rumors reportedly overstated Bulls trade rumor reality check Bryson Graham’s roster-building approach Chicago Bulls 2026-27 rotation questions   The Bulls still have roster questions to answer before the season, and every role matters. If Okoro can become a trusted defensive piece, Jalen Smith draws real trade value, and the Mathurin rumors fade, Chicago’s next move may say a lot about how Bryson Graham views this team.   🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Isaac Okoro’s defensive upside, the Jalen Smith trade interest from the Lakers and Wolves, and the latest update on Bennedict Mathurin’s connection to Chicago.   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%.   Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Aug 1

    Could the Chicago Bulls Make the Playoffs Sooner Than Expected?

    Could the Chicago Bulls become an NBA playoff team sooner than anyone expects? The Bulls’ young core continues to develop, the Eastern Conference remains wide open, and Chicago may be closer to competing than its rebuilding timeline suggests.   On today’s Locked On Bulls, we examine what needs to happen for Chicago to make a legitimate playoff push, which young players could accelerate the rebuild, and whether the Bulls have enough talent to surprise the NBA this season. Is playoff basketball returning to Chicago sooner than we think?   Subscribe for daily Chicago Bulls news, analysis, trade rumors, player breakdowns, and more on Locked On Bulls.   Call or text the show: (331) 240-1180   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-bulls/   Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba       Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner   Support us by supporting our sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors: DoorDash Next time someone goes off for 50, use promo code NBA50 the next day to get 50% off on DoorDash with DashPass — plus your shot at the Bag Drop.   DashPass members only. 50% off up to $10 the day after a 50-point game with promo code. Terms apply.   No Purchase Necessary. Ends April 13th. Open to U.S. residents 21 or older. Visit DoorDashInYourBag.com for full details.   DoorDash — In your bag all season long.   Robinhood You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.   All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.   FanDuel Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.com to get started   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Locked On Bulls podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Chicago Bulls and the NBA. Hosts Cordaro ‘Haize’ Johnson and Pat the Designer Morenzoni provide expert, local analysis with a daily dose of Bulls news, recaps, fan reactions and some of the best Bulls’ guests 5 days a week. Locked On Bulls takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Bulls locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Bulls podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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