The Chicago Bulls now have TWO different roster opportunities to monitor, and they solve completely different problems.
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down the Bulls’ reported links to Dalton Knecht and Moussa Cissé, Josh Giddey’s developing lob game with Chicago’s athletic young core, and what Bryson Graham should do if this Bulls team starts winning faster than expected.
The Lakers have reportedly communicated with Chicago while trying to move Dalton Knecht, while separate reporting connects the Bulls to Moussa Cissé if Dallas waives him. The Knecht situation establishes contact. The Cissé situation is conditional on him becoming available. Neither means Chicago has completed a move. Pasted text
Knecht gives Chicago another potential perimeter scorer. His production dropped from 9.1 points per game on 37.6% from three in 2024-25 to 4.2 points on 34.2% from deep last season, so Chicago would need a clear plan for why his game could improve in a different role. Pasted text
But the roster is already crowded with shooters and young perimeter players.
Buddy Hield. Jordan Hawkins. Jaylin Sellers. Dailyn Swain.
That makes the question bigger than whether Knecht has talent. Chicago has to determine whether adding him is worth the minutes, coaching attention and roster space. Pasted text
Cissé offers something very different.
In 38 games last season, he averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in just 13.9 minutes, shooting 57.4% from the field. His appeal would be a simple role built around screening, rolling, finishing, rim protection and rebounding. Pasted text
The downside?
He offers little perimeter spacing, attempted no threes last season and shot 46.9% from the free-throw line. Chicago would need to know whether his defense and rebounding outweigh those offensive limitations. Pasted text
The Bulls currently have their three two-way spots occupied and have 14 standard-contract players, meaning one standard roster spot remains. Adding both Knecht and Cissé would require another roster move. Pasted text
My lean?
Investigate Cissé first if Dallas makes him available, while keeping the Knecht conversation alive if Los Angeles makes the price favorable. Pasted text
Then we turn to Josh Giddey.
Giddey acknowledged that throwing lobs is something he has not done much throughout his career. Now he has Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Nic Claxton, Leonard Miller and Noa Essengue as potential vertical targets. Pasted text (2)
A credible lob threat can change how a defense guards Giddey before the ball ever leaves his hands. The big may step toward Josh, stay attached to the roller, or force a third defender to help. That can create a finish, lob, corner three or extra pass. Pasted text (2)
And finally:
What happens if the Bulls are better than expected?
Bryson Graham’s biggest challenge may come if Caleb, Matas, Giddey and the young core start winning early. The front office has to understand whether that success is sustainable before spending future assets to chase more of it. Pasted text (2)
🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:
- Dalton Knecht vs Moussa Cissé
- Which player better fits Chicago’s final roster spot
- Why Knecht would need a clear development plan
- Why Cissé’s rebounding and rim protection are intriguing
- The Jalen Smith factor in any Knecht trade
- Josh Giddey developing his lob game
- Caleb, Matas, Claxton, Leonard and Noa as vertical threats
- Why shooting helps create lob opportunities
- How to judge Giddey’s passing beyond assists
- What Bryson Graham should do if Chicago starts winning
- When a trade should accelerate the rebuild
- Why a hot month should NOT dictate the entire plan
💬 Who would YOU rather use the final roster spot on: Dalton Knecht, Moussa Cissé or nobody yet?
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