The Chicago Bulls have already mapped out a clear starting five for opening night, even though free agency is barely three days in. With only one roster spot remaining, the front office can still add a piece before the October deadline. Executive Vice President Bryson Graham, still only a few months into his role, inherited a roster he did not assemble, leaving room for potential trades as the team fine-tunes its rebuild.

The lineup that has emerged is straightforward: point guard Josh Giddey, shooting guard Norman Powell, small forward Matas Buzelis, power forward Caleb Wilson and center Nic Claxton. The source notes that Giddey and Buzelis were “obvious shoo-ins” for the starting roles, underscoring their status as core building blocks for a franchise in transition.

Giddey brings a playmaking skill set that the Bulls have long needed at the helm of the offense, while Powell, acquired in the league’s big free-agent signing on Wednesday, is slated to start at the other perimeter spot. Powell’s presence adds a veteran scoring option that should complement the youthful energy of Buzelis, a forward who earned a starting nod despite the roster’s upheaval. Wilson slides into the power-forward slot, providing size and upside. Claxton anchors the middle as a defensive specialist, completing a roster that balances potential with a hint of experience.

The front office’s recent big free-agent signing on Wednesday , the addition of Powell , signals a willingness to blend veteran firepower with the young core. With one roster spot and a modest salary-cap exception still available, the Bulls could still pursue a trade or sign a depth player before training camp begins. Graham’s short tenure has already produced a clear hierarchy, but the door remains open for further tweaks as October approaches.

Ultimately, the projected starting five reflects a decisive shift toward youth, while acknowledging the need for immediate scoring help. How quickly Powell integrates into Tiago Splitter’s system and how the rookie-heavy lineup adapts to NBA competition will shape the Bulls’ early-season narrative. If the pieces click, Chicago could see a more competitive opening stretch; if not, the organization may look to add another veteran or explore a trade before the season proper begins.