The Chicago Bulls’ organizational overhaul has begun with an unexpected move. While many expected Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd – given his long-standing ties to the franchise – to be the natural successor, Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf had different plans.

On Monday, the team announced the appointment of Atlanta Hawks senior vice president Bryson Graham as the new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. At 39, Graham spent 15 years in New Orleans, rising from an intern to general manager before joining Atlanta last offseason. Despite his relatively young age, he boasts an impressive scouting record. ESPN’s Shams Charania highlighted Graham’s credentials in a tweet, explaining why he was selected over both Lloyd and Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey.

“Graham, 39, has been known across the NBA for a tremendous scouting eye and being part of successful finds in the draft and player acquisitions during his tenure with the Pelicans and Hawks. The Bulls conducted in-person interviews with candidates last week and mulled over three finalists — Graham, Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, and Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd — over the weekend before deciding on Graham on Monday.”

So, Chicago went for a young hire who has results on his side. The 39-year-old will take over for the rebuild following the firings of Arturas Karnisovas. The front office needs more people, as GM Marc Eversley was also fired, and the departure of head coach Billy Donovan leaves a gigantic hole to fill.

Graham was instrumental in scouting and acquiring players such as Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Dyson Daniels, and Jose Alvarado.

Alexander-Walker is the recent winner of the Most Improved Player, and Daniels won the accolade last season. Jones was named first-team all-defense in 2023-24, and Murphy III is one of the league’s premier 3-and-D wings. The Bulls would hope this translates during the 2026 draft. Chicago has two top-15 picks in a loaded 2026 NBA Draft and three of the first 38 selections.

How the Bulls zeroed in on Graham over other veterans

The momentum in the last few weeks seemed to be tilting toward Timberwolves GM, and former do-everything Bulls employee, Matt Lloyd. He began his career under former Bulls general manager and current adviser John Paxson. Lloyd advanced to senior manager of basketball operations and eventually became director of college scouting, a role he held through the 2011–12 season. His background spans multiple departments, including media relations, basketball operations, and scouting. Nevertheless, the Bulls placed their trust in Graham.

Chicago Sun-Times reporter Joe Cowley stated. “Graham reportedly stole the show in the in-person interview process and got the job on Monday. One Bulls source stressed it had less to do with what the other candidates were lacking and more to do with how Graham wowed the hiring group throughout the process.”

A further update also reported that the new EVP will have full autonomy to build out the front office how he sees fit and that finances won’t be an obstacle.

He has a league-high $58 million in salary-cap space this summer to work with. The Bulls haven’t won a playoff series since 2015. They haven’t had a No. 1 overall draft pick since hitting on Derrick Rose in 2008. Graham could slowly and steadily bring that change.