The Chicago Bulls, founded in 1966, are a professional basketball team based in Chicago. They compete in the NBA's Eastern Conference, Central Division, and play their home games at the United Center.
January 16, 1966: Chicago Bulls Founded
On January 16, 1966, the Chicago Bulls were established as an NBA franchise, becoming the city's third team after the Chicago Stags and the Chicago Packers/Zephyrs.
1966: Chicago Bulls Adopt Iconic Logo
The Chicago Bulls adopted their iconic red, charging bull's face logo in 1966. The logo was designed by American graphic designer Dean P. Wessel and has remained largely unchanged since its inception.
1969: Benny the Bull Debut
Benny the Bull, the Chicago Bulls' main mascot, was first introduced in 1969.
1969: Chicago Bulls Tweak Uniforms
For the 1969–70 season, the Chicago Bulls tweaked their red uniforms to include the city name.
1969: Pat Williams Hired as General Manager
In 1969, Dick Klein stepped down as general manager of the Chicago Bulls and appointed Pat Williams, who had a successful track record as the business manager for the Philadelphia 76ers.
1971: Norm Van Lier Joins the Bulls
Norm Van Lier, who had been drafted by the Bulls in 1969 but initially traded to the Cincinnati Royals, officially joined the Chicago Bulls in 1971.
1972: Bulls Achieve Franchise Record
In 1972, the Chicago Bulls established a new franchise record with 57 wins and 25 losses.
1973: Chicago Bulls Overhaul Uniforms
The Chicago Bulls drastically changed their uniform design for the 1973-74 season. The redesign removed the side stripes and drop shadows, moved the front numbers to the left chest, and introduced a script "Chicago" wordmark on the red uniforms.
1975: Bulls Decline and Motta Fired
Following four successful seasons with 50 or more wins, the Chicago Bulls experienced a decline in the 1975-76 season, winning only 24 games, leading to the firing of coach Dick Motta, who was also serving as general manager. Ed Badger was appointed as his replacement.
1975: Bulls Reach Conference Finals
In 1975, the Chicago Bulls advanced to the conference finals but were defeated by the eventual champions, the Golden State Warriors, in a closely contested series that ended 4 games to 3.
1976: Artis Gilmore Joins the Bulls
Artis Gilmore, acquired through the ABA dispersal draft in 1976, became a key player for the Chicago Bulls.
1979: Bulls Lose Coin Flip for First Draft Pick
In 1979, the Chicago Bulls lost a coin flip that would have given them the first pick in the NBA draft. They had hoped to select Magic Johnson, but instead, they picked David Greenwood with the second pick.
1982: Jordan and Ewing's College Rivalry
Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing, stars of the Bulls and Knicks, respectively, began their rivalry during their freshman year in the 1982 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship Game.
1983: Bulls Trade Reggie Theus
As part of a change in direction amidst a period of poor results, the Chicago Bulls traded Reggie Theus to the Kansas City Kings during the 1983-84 season. This move contributed to a decline in attendance, and the Wirtz family, who owned the team at the time, explored selling to groups that might move the team out of Chicago before eventually selling to local owners.
1984: Michael Jordan Drafted by the Bulls
In the 1984 NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls, under new management with owner Jerry Reinsdorf and general manager Jerry Krause, selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick, initiating a rebuilding process centered around him.
1985: End of an Era: Chicago Bulls Retire 1973 Uniform Design
After over a decade of use, the Chicago Bulls retired their 1973 uniform design at the end of the 1985 season. This marked the end of an era for the team's visual identity.
1985: Jordan's Record-Breaking Playoff Performance
In 1985, despite suffering a broken foot earlier in the season, Michael Jordan returned for the playoffs and led the Chicago Bulls, who had secured the eighth seed, against the top-seeded Boston Celtics. Despite being swept, Jordan delivered a record-breaking performance in Game 2, scoring 63 points, a playoff single-game record that still stands today. This remarkable performance led Larry Bird to famously describe Jordan as "God disguised as Michael Jordan."
1985: Celtics Achieve Best Home Record
The 1985–86 Boston Celtics established the best home record in NBA history, going 40–1 at home.
1985: Chicago Bulls Update Uniforms
The Chicago Bulls updated their uniform design for the 1985-86 season. Notable changes included centered uniform numbers and a vertically arched "Bulls" wordmark on both the red and white uniforms.
1986: Jordan Leads the League in Scoring
In the 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan once again dominated the NBA, leading the league in scoring with an average of 37.1 points per game, earning him his first selection to the All-NBA First Team. The Bulls finished the season with a 40-42 record, securing a playoff berth. However, they were once again eliminated by the Boston Celtics.
1987: Oakley Leads the League in Rebounds
Charles Oakley, the Bulls' power forward, led the league in total rebounds in both 1987 and 1988.
1987: Bulls Draft Pippen and Grant
The Chicago Bulls selected Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant in the 1987 NBA draft to address their lack of depth, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise.
1988: Bulls Trade Charles Oakley for Bill Cartwright
In a major off-season move, the Chicago Bulls traded Charles Oakley to the New York Knicks for Bill Cartwright in 1988, aiming to strengthen their center position.
1988: Jordan Wins MVP, Bulls Reach Eastern Conference Semifinals
Michael Jordan was named NBA Most Valuable Player for the first time in his career, leading the Bulls to the Eastern Conference semifinals in 1988, where they lost to the Detroit Pistons. This marked the beginning of the Bulls-Pistons rivalry.
1988: Beginning of the Bulls-Pistons Rivalry
The rivalry between the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons began in 1988 during the Eastern Conference semifinals, fueled by intense playoff matchups between the Jordan-led Bulls and the "Bad Boy" Pistons.
1989: Phil Jackson Becomes Head Coach
In a significant coaching change, Phil Jackson replaced Doug Collins as the Chicago Bulls head coach in 1989, ushering in a new era for the team.
1989: First Bulls-Knicks Playoff Encounter
The Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks first met in the playoffs in 1989, a series that marked the beginning of their intense rivalry. Chicago won the series in six games.
1989: Bulls Start Black Shoe Tradition
The Chicago Bulls began their tradition of wearing black shoes during the playoffs in 1989, a suggestion from backup center Brad Sellers intended to symbolize team unity.
1989: Bulls' Black Shoe Tradition Begins
The Chicago Bulls' tradition of wearing black shoes in the playoffs, which started in 1989, has seen some exceptions over the years, reflecting changing trends and player preferences.
1990: Bulls Win First NBA Championship
The Chicago Bulls achieved a historic milestone in 1990 by winning their first NBA championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals.
1990: Ray Clay Takes Over Bulls Introductions
Ray Clay became the announcer for the Chicago Bulls in 1990, continuing the tradition of using music like "Sirius" by The Alan Parsons Project for the team's iconic introductions during their championship runs.
1991: End of the Bulls-Pistons Rivalry
After years of intense competition, the Bulls-Pistons rivalry came to an end in 1991.
1991: Bulls Break Through Against the Pistons
In 1991, the Chicago Bulls finally defeated the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals, culminating in a four-game sweep that marked a turning point in their rivalry.
1991: Start of the Bulls Dynasty
In 1991, the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and coach Phil Jackson, began their reign as one of the NBA's greatest dynasties.
1991: Bulls-Knicks Playoff Series Begins
The Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks began their playoff rivalry in 1991, marking the start of four consecutive years of intense postseason matchups.
1992: Bulls and Knicks Go Seven Games
In 1992, the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks engaged in a highly competitive playoff series that went the full seven games, showcasing the intensity of their rivalry and the determination of both teams.
1992: Bulls Win Second Consecutive NBA Championship
The Chicago Bulls continued their dominance in 1992 by winning their second straight NBA Championship, solidifying their status as a dynasty. They defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in the Finals.
October 6, 1993: Michael Jordan Announces Retirement
Michael Jordan made the shocking announcement of his retirement from basketball on October 6, 1993, just months after the murder of his father.
1993: Bulls Sign Steve Kerr
The Chicago Bulls signed sharpshooter Steve Kerr before the 1993–94 season.
1993: Bulls Achieve Three-Peat, Winning Third Straight Championship
The Chicago Bulls completed a historic three-peat in 1993 by winning their third consecutive NBA championship, defeating Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns in a memorable Finals series.
1993: Bulls Defeat Knicks in Playoffs
In 1993, the Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks in the playoffs, continuing their winning streak in the rivalry and solidifying their position as one of the league's dominant teams.
1994: Knicks End Bulls' Playoff Streak
In 1994, the New York Knicks ended the Chicago Bulls' three-year playoff winning streak, defeating them in a hard-fought seven-game series and establishing their own dominance in the rivalry.
1994: Bulls Struggle Without Jordan
The Chicago Bulls experienced difficulties during the 1994 season without Michael Jordan's presence on the court.
1994: Scottie Pippen Leads the Bulls
With Michael Jordan's retirement, Scottie Pippen emerged as the leader of the Chicago Bulls in 1994, establishing himself as one of the league's top players.
March 18, 1995: Michael Jordan Returns to Basketball
After a brief retirement, Michael Jordan made his highly anticipated return to basketball on March 18, 1995, rejoining the Chicago Bulls.
1995: Da Bull Joins the Bulls
In 1995, the Chicago Bulls introduced a second mascot named Da Bull, described as Benny the Bull's high-flying cousin.
1995: Chicago Bulls Introduce Black Alternate Uniform
In the 1995-96 season, the Chicago Bulls added a black uniform to their collection. The initial design featured red pinstripes and did not include the traditional diamond on the shorts.
1995: Jordan Fined for Breaking Shoe Tradition
Michael Jordan was fined by the Chicago Bulls in the 1995 playoffs for wearing white Air Jordan XI shoes instead of black during games in Orlando, highlighting the team's strict adherence to their colorway policy at the time.
1995: Bulls Win Fourth Championship, Setting Records Along the Way
The 1995–96 Chicago Bulls achieved a historic feat by securing their fourth NBA championship, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in the Finals. Their remarkable season was marked by numerous records, solidifying their status as one of the greatest teams in basketball history.
1995: Bulls Begin Dominant 1995-96 Season
The Chicago Bulls embarked on a historic 1995-96 season, marked by dominance and numerous records. Michael Jordan returned from retirement to lead the team, showcasing his exceptional skills from the very beginning.
1995: Bulls Set NBA Record with 72 Wins
During the 1995-96 season, the Chicago Bulls set an NBA record by winning 72 games, a feat that remained unmatched until the Golden State Warriors surpassed it in 2015-16.
1996: Fifth NBA Championship and Individual Accolades
In 1996, the Chicago Bulls achieved a dominant 69-13 record, securing their fifth NBA championship victory against the Utah Jazz. Michael Jordan earned his second consecutive scoring title, Rodman got his sixth rebounding title, and Jordan, Pippen, and Parish were recognized among the NBA's 50 greatest players.
1996: Bulls Avenge Loss to Knicks
The Chicago Bulls avenged their 1994 playoff loss to the New York Knicks in 1996, securing a victory in their playoff series and reasserting their dominance in the rivalry.
1997: Chicago Bulls Modify Black Uniform
From the 1997-98 season to the 2005-06 season, the Chicago Bulls wore a slightly modified version of their black uniforms. This version did not have pinstripes.
1997: A Season of Turmoil and Success
The 1997-98 season for the Bulls was marked by speculation about Michael Jordan's future, tension between Phil Jackson and Jerry Krause, and Scottie Pippen's contract demands. Despite the turmoil, the Bulls achieved a 62-20 regular season record.
1998: End of the Bulls Dynasty
In 1998, the Chicago Bulls, after winning six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998, marked the end of their dominant era.
1998: Bulls Struggle to Recapture Success
Since 1998, the Chicago Bulls have struggled to replicate their previous success, facing challenges in rebuilding and maintaining a competitive roster.
1998: End of the Championship Era and Rebuilding
The summer of 1998 marked the end of the Bulls' championship era as Jerry Krause decided to rebuild the team by trading key players like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. They hired a new coach, Tim Floyd.
January 13, 1999: Michael Jordan's Second Retirement
On January 13, 1999, Michael Jordan announced his second retirement from professional basketball after a successful career with the Chicago Bulls.
February 1999: Release of Roy Rogers
In February 1999, the Chicago Bulls released Roy Rogers, who had been acquired in a trade for Scottie Pippen.
1999: Chicago Bulls Reintroduce City Name on Uniforms
During the 1999-2000 season, the Chicago Bulls brought back the city name on the front of their uniforms. This addition was part of a series of minor changes made to the uniform template during this period.
1999: Draft Lottery Win and Franchise Low
In 1999, the Chicago Bulls secured the first pick in the draft lottery, selecting Elton Brand. Ron Artest also joined the team as a rookie. However, the team struggled, setting a franchise low with a 17-65 record, despite Brand's strong performance.
2000: Rookie of the Year Award for Elton Brand
Elton Brand was named co-Rookie of the Year in 2000, sharing the award with Steve Francis of the Houston Rockets. Brand led all rookies in scoring, rebounds, blocks, field goal percentage, and minutes.
2000: Chicago Bulls Continue with City Name on Uniforms
The Chicago Bulls continued to feature the city name on the front of their uniforms into the 2000-01 season. This design element remained a part of their uniform for several seasons.
2001: Trading Brand and Rebuilding
In a surprising move, the Bulls traded Elton Brand to the Los Angeles Clippers for Tyson Chandler and drafted Eddy Curry. They struggled due to the lack of veteran leadership and had a mid-season trade involving key players and a coaching change from Bill Floyd to Bill Cartwright.
2002: Promising Young Players and Improved Record
The Bulls entered the 2002-03 season with optimism, drafting Jay Williams to join a young core including Jalen Rose, Crawford, Fizer, Marshall, Curry, Chandler, and Hassell. Under Bill Cartwright's leadership, the team improved to a 30-52 record, with Eddy Curry leading the league in field goal percentage.
2003: Chicago Bulls Revive 1973 Throwback Uniforms
During the 2003-04 season, the Chicago Bulls revived their 1973 uniform design as a throwback uniform. This allowed fans to reminisce about the team's history.
2003: Leadership Changes and Scottie Pippen's Return
In 2003, Jerry Krause retired as general manager, replaced by John Paxson. The Bulls drafted Kirk Hinrich and made a significant move by signing veteran player Scottie Pippen, hoping to recapture some of the team's past success.
February 2004: Jay Williams's Injury and Contract Buyout
Tragically, in February 2004, Jay Williams sustained severe injuries in a motorcycle accident, ending his NBA career. The Chicago Bulls bought out his contract.
2004: Bulls Continue Black Shoe Tradition
The Chicago Bulls continued their tradition of wearing black shoes when they returned to the playoffs in the 2004–05 season after a six-year absence, demonstrating the enduring nature of this team custom.
2004: Da Bull's Retirement
Da Bull, the Chicago Bulls' second mascot, was retired in 2004 following the arrest of the individual portraying him for marijuana possession and sale.
2005: Chicago Bulls Retire Modified Black Uniform
After nearly a decade of use, the Chicago Bulls retired their modified black uniform at the end of the 2005-06 season. This marked the end of an era for this particular uniform design.
2005: Chicago Bulls Honor Chicago Stags with Throwback Uniforms
During the 2005-06 season, the Chicago Bulls paid tribute to the defunct Chicago Stags by wearing throwback uniforms inspired by the Stags' design. The throwback set featured red tops and blue shorts.
2006: Chicago Bulls Introduce Green St. Patrick's Day Uniforms
Starting in 2006 and continuing through 2017, the Chicago Bulls adopted a tradition of wearing green uniforms during the week of St. Patrick's Day in March. The green uniforms were a variation of their red uniforms, with the only red elements being those found in the team logo.
2006: Chicago Bulls Redesign Black Alternate Uniform
The Chicago Bulls introduced another redesign of their black alternate uniform in the 2006-07 season. This new version resembled the red and white uniform, but with the addition of a red diamond on the shorts.
2006: Tommy Edwards Returns as Announcer
Tommy Edwards returned as the announcer for the Chicago Bulls in 2006, bringing changes to the team's introductions and ushering in a new era for the franchise.
2007: Renewed Rivalry with Ben Wallace
The Bulls-Pistons rivalry was renewed in the 2007 Eastern Conference Semifinals, as former Detroit player Ben Wallace faced his old team. The Pistons won the series in six games.
April 9, 2009: Chicago Bulls Wear Dark Green Uniforms for "Green Week"
The Chicago Bulls wore dark green uniforms, based on their black alternate uniform design, during the NBA's "Green Week" celebrations on April 9, 2009, in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
2009: Chicago Bulls Introduce "Los Bulls" Uniforms for "Noche Latina"
Between 2009 and 2017, the Chicago Bulls wore a variation of their red uniforms featuring the "Los Bulls" wordmark as part of the NBA's "Noche Latina" celebrations each March.
2009: Spanish Language Game Coverage Begins
Univision Radio's WRTO (1200) began broadcasting Spanish-language coverage of Chicago Bulls games in the 2009-10 season.
2009: Bulls Deviate from Black Shoe Tradition
In the 2009 playoffs, the Chicago Bulls broke with their tradition of wearing black shoes, with all players sporting white shoes and socks in Game 3 of the first round against the Boston Celtics, marking a notable departure from their usual playoff attire.
2010: Bulls Show Promise with Rose and Noah
In 2010, the Chicago Bulls displayed promising signs led by Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, achieving back-to-back seasons with a winning percentage above .732.
2011: Bulls Continue Strong Performance
Continuing their strong performance from the previous year, the Chicago Bulls, with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah leading the charge, once again achieved a winning percentage above .732 in the 2011-12 season.
2011: Bulls Acquire Rights to Nikola Mirotić
The Chicago Bulls acquired the rights to Nikola Mirotić via a draft-day trade in 2011. However, due to salary cap constraints, Mirotić couldn't join the team immediately.
2011: Heat Defeat Bulls in Eastern Conference Finals
The rivalry between the Bulls and the Heat intensified in the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals, with the Heat ultimately emerging victorious in a hard-fought five-game series.
June 13, 2012: Bulls Announce Move to Downtown Practice Facility
On June 13, 2012, the Chicago Bulls announced their plan to relocate their practice facility to a downtown location closer to the United Center.
2012: Chicago Bulls Revive 1995 Black Uniform as Throwback
The Chicago Bulls revived their 1995 black uniform as a throwback uniform during the 2012-13 seasons, allowing fans to experience a piece of the team's history.
March 27, 2013: Bulls Snap Miami's Winning Streak
On March 27, 2013, the Chicago Bulls put an end to the Miami Heat's impressive 27-game winning streak, marking a significant victory for the Bulls and highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry.
2013: Jimmy Butler's Breakout Season
During the 2013-14 NBA season, Jimmy Butler emerged as a primary scorer for the Bulls and experienced a significant statistical improvement, going from averaging 13 points per game to 20 points per game.
2013: Derrick Rose Suffers Season-Ending Injury
In the 2013-14 season, Derrick Rose tore his medial meniscus on a non-contact play just 10 games into the season. As a result, Rose missed the remainder of the season.
2013: End of Shared Division Rivalry
The rivalry between Chicago and Detroit extended beyond basketball. The two cities shared divisions in all four major North American sports until 2013 when the Detroit Red Wings moved to the Atlantic Division, ending a chapter in their shared history.
January 7, 2014: Luol Deng Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
On January 7, 2014, the Chicago Bulls traded veteran forward Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for center Andrew Bynum and a set of draft picks. Bynum was immediately waived by the Bulls after the trade was completed.
September 12, 2014: Advocate Center Opens
On September 12, 2014, the Chicago Bulls inaugurated their new training facility, the Advocate Center, located near the United Center.
2014: Michael Carter-Williams Wins Rookie of the Year
Michael Carter-Williams was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2014.
2014: Chicago Bulls Introduce Black "Los Bulls" Uniform for "Noche Latina"
In 2014, the Chicago Bulls briefly retired their traditional "Los Bulls" uniform design for "Noche Latina" and instead wore a black sleeved uniform featuring "Los Bulls" in white with red trim.
2014: Chicago Bulls Tweak Black Alternate Uniform with Sleeves
For the 2014-15 season, the Chicago Bulls made slight adjustments to their black alternate uniform. The updated design included sleeves and a modernized diamond treatment in black with red and white borders.
2014: Bulls Sign Pau Gasol and Kirk Hinrich
During the 2014 offseason, the Bulls made several key signings, including two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol and veteran guard Kirk Hinrich.
2014: Bulls Acquire Doug McDermott and Cameron Bairstow in Draft
During the 2014 NBA Draft, the Bulls traded their 16th and 19th picks to acquire Doug McDermott, the former Creighton star, who was selected with the 11th pick. They also selected Cameron Bairstow with the 49th pick in the second round.
May 28, 2015: Bulls Fire Tom Thibodeau
On May 28, 2015, the Bulls made the decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau, citing a need for a "change in approach."
June 2, 2015: Fred Hoiberg Named Head Coach
On June 2, 2015, the Chicago Bulls appointed Fred Hoiberg as their new head coach, marking a shift in the team's coaching direction.
October 2015: Bulls' Games Broadcast on WLS
From October 2015, the Chicago Bulls' games were broadcast on Cumulus Media's WLS (890).
2015: Chicago Bulls Introduce Gray "Pride" Uniform
From 2015 to 2017, the Chicago Bulls introduced a gray "Pride" sleeved uniform with red lettering trimmed in white. The shorts featured a modernized diamond design and four six-pointed stars on each side.
2015: Bulls Miss Playoffs for the First Time in 8 Years
In 2015, the Chicago Bulls finished the season with a winning record of 42-40 but missed the playoffs for the first time in 8 years.
2015: Chicago Bulls Introduce Sleeved Green St. Patrick's Day Uniforms
In 2015, the Chicago Bulls introduced a sleeved version of their green St. Patrick's Day uniform. This version featured white lettering with gold and black trim, and the "Chicago" wordmark replaced "Bulls" on the front.
2015: Chicago Bulls Bring Back 1973 Throwback Uniforms Again
The Chicago Bulls once again brought back their 1973 throwback uniforms during the 2015-16 season. This marked the second time the team revived this classic design.
April 7, 2016: Bulls Eliminated from Playoff Contention
Following a loss to the Miami Heat on April 7, 2016, the Chicago Bulls were officially eliminated from playoff contention. This marked the first time in 8 years that the Bulls had failed to make the playoffs.
June 22, 2016: Bulls Trade Derrick Rose to New York Knicks
The Bulls traded Derrick Rose, Justin Holiday, and a 2017 second-round draft pick to the New York Knicks on June 22, 2016. In return, they received center Robin Lopez and point guards Jerian Grant and José Calderón.
October 17, 2016: Bulls Trade Tony Snell for Michael Carter-Williams
On October 17, 2016, the Bulls traded Tony Snell to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for the 2014 Rookie of the Year, Michael Carter-Williams.
2016: Chicago Bulls Continue with Green St. Patrick's Day Uniforms
The Chicago Bulls continued to wear their green St. Patrick's Day uniforms in 2016, maintaining the tradition they had established in previous years.
2016: Final Year of the "Circus Trip"
The year 2016 marked the final "circus trip" for the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, as the contract with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was not renewed after that year.
June 22, 2017: Bulls Trade Jimmy Butler to Minnesota Timberwolves
On June 22, 2017, the Chicago Bulls traded their star player, Jimmy Butler, along with their 2017 first-round draft pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In exchange, they received Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and Minnesota's 2017 first-round pick, which they used to select Lauri Markkanen.
July 10, 2017: Justin Holiday Returns to Bulls
On July 10, 2017, Justin Holiday made his return to the Chicago Bulls, signing a 2-year, $9 million contract with the team.
September 24, 2017: Dwyane Wade and Bulls Agree to Contract Buyout
On September 24, 2017, Dwyane Wade and the Chicago Bulls reached a buyout agreement for the remaining year of Wade's contract. As part of the agreement, Wade gave back $8 million of his $23.2 million contract.
October 17, 2017: Altercation Between Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotić
On October 17, 2017, a fight erupted during practice between Chicago Bulls players Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotić. Mirotić suffered serious injuries, including a concussion and facial fractures, causing him to miss a significant portion of the season. Portis received an eight-game suspension for his role in the incident.
2017: Chicago Bulls Retire Gray "Pride" Uniform
After a few seasons of use, the Chicago Bulls retired their gray "Pride" uniform following the 2017 season.
2017: Cumulus Media Files for Bankruptcy
Cumulus Media, the broadcaster of the Chicago Bulls' games on WLS (890), filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2017.
2017: Chicago Bulls Retire "Los Bulls" Uniforms
After several years of use, the Chicago Bulls retired their "Los Bulls" uniform design at the end of the 2017 "Noche Latina" celebration.
2017: Nike Becomes NBA Uniform Provider, Chicago Bulls Make Uniform Changes
When Nike took over as the NBA's uniform provider in 2017, the Chicago Bulls made slight adjustments to their uniforms. These included truncated shoulder striping and the addition of the Chicago four stars on the waistline. The Bulls also designated their red "Icon" uniforms as their home uniforms and the white "Association" uniforms as their away uniforms.
2017: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Closes
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which had forced the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks into their annual "circus trip," was discontinued in 2017, marking the end of an era for the circus and for the teams' unique road trip tradition.
2017: Bulls Trade Derrick Rose
The Chicago Bulls traded Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks in 2017, marking the end of an era for the franchise.
2017: Chicago Bulls Continue with Green St. Patrick's Day Uniforms
The Chicago Bulls continued to don their green St. Patrick's Day uniforms in 2017, carrying on the tradition for another year.
2017: Chicago Bulls Introduce "Statement" Uniform
Starting in the 2017-18 season, Nike designated the Chicago Bulls' black uniform as the "Statement" uniform, signifying its role as the team's third jersey. The Bulls typically wore these uniforms after Thanksgiving and in away games against teams wearing white, gray/silver, or cream uniforms. Apart from minor changes due to the Nike logo switch, the uniform remained largely untouched.
2017: Chicago Bulls Debut Nike-Designed "City" Uniform
During the 2017-18 season, the Chicago Bulls introduced special "City" uniforms designed by Nike. These white uniforms paid tribute to Chicago's flag, featuring the classic "Chicago" script and numbers in red with light blue trim, along with four six-pointed stars on each side.
January 2018: WLS Ends Bulls' Games Broadcasts
The broadcasts of the Chicago Bulls' games on WLS (890) ended in January 2018, earlier than initially planned due to Cumulus Media's bankruptcy filing.
February 1, 2018: Bulls Trade Nikola Mirotić to New Orleans Pelicans
On February 1, 2018, the Chicago Bulls traded Nikola Mirotić, who had been involved in the altercation with Bobby Portis earlier in the season, to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Bulls received a package of players and a first-round draft pick in return.
February 3, 2018: Bulls' Games Broadcast on WSCR
Beginning February 3, 2018, Entercom's WSCR (670) became the radio broadcaster for the Chicago Bulls' games.
February 2018: End of the "Circus Trip"
The Chicago Bulls' and Blackhawks' "circus trip," a two-week road trip caused by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus using the United Center, ended in February 2018. The circus contract was not renewed, and the Disney on Ice run was condensed.
June 21, 2018: Bulls Select Wendell Carter Jr. and Chandler Hutchison in NBA Draft
The Chicago Bulls selected Wendell Carter Jr. as the seventh overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. They also acquired Chandler Hutchison with the 22nd pick, which they received through a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans.
2018: Chicago Bulls Introduce New "City" Uniform Inspired by Chicago's Flag
For the 2018-19 season, the Chicago Bulls unveiled a new "City" uniform inspired by Chicago's flag. This black uniform featured a portion of the flag with four red six-point stars and two powder blue stripes on the front.
2018: End of WGN-TV Broadcasts
The Chicago Bulls' broadcasts on WGN-TV concluded after the 2018-19 season, marking the end of their partnership.
January 2, 2019: Exclusive Deal with NBC Sports Chicago
On January 2, 2019, the Chicago Bulls, along with the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Blackhawks, entered into an exclusive multi-year agreement with NBC Sports Chicago for game broadcasts.
January 3, 2019: Bulls Trade Justin Holiday to Memphis Grizzlies
On January 3, 2019, the Chicago Bulls traded Justin Holiday to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for MarShon Brooks, Wayne Selden Jr., and two future second-round draft picks. Subsequently, the Bulls waived MarShon Brooks and Cameron Payne from their roster.
June 20, 2019: Bulls Draft Coby White and Daniel Gafford
In the 2019 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls selected Coby White with the seventh overall pick and Daniel Gafford with the 38th pick in the second round.
2019: Chicago Bulls Reintroduce Pinstripes to "Statement" Uniform
The 2019-20 season saw the return of pinstripes to the Chicago Bulls' "Statement" uniform, albeit in a dark gray color. The uniform also saw a return to the red diamond treatment, adjustments to the piping, and the addition of four six-point stars on the beltline. The Bulls wore this "Statement" uniform in select home games and away games against teams wearing white, cream, yellow, red, or silver uniforms.
2019: NBC Sports Chicago Becomes Primary Broadcaster
Starting in the 2019-20 season, NBC Sports Chicago became the primary television broadcaster for the Chicago Bulls, airing all games not nationally televised.
2019: Chicago Bulls Unveil Blue "City" Uniform Inspired by Water and the City's Flag
The Chicago Bulls' "City" uniform for the 2019-20 season continued the flag theme, featuring a light blue base and a recolored Bulls logo in front. The predominantly blue design drew inspiration from the waters of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
June 4, 2020: Bulls' Season Officially Ends Due to NBA Bubble Plan
On June 4, 2020, the Chicago Bulls' season officially concluded as the NBA Board of Governors approved a plan to resume the season with 22 teams participating in the NBA Bubble. The Bulls, who were not included in the bubble, finished the season with a 22–43 record.
August 14, 2020: Bulls Fire Head Coach Jim Boylen
Jim Boylen was relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls on August 14, 2020, after two seasons with the team.
November 18, 2020: Bulls Select Patrick Williams in NBA Draft
The Chicago Bulls selected Patrick Williams with the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
2020: Chicago Bulls Switch Home Uniform to White
In the 2020-21 season, the Chicago Bulls switched back to wearing their white "Association" uniforms for home games, discontinuing the use of the red "Icon" uniforms for home games.
2020: Chicago Bulls Introduce "City" Uniform Inspired by Art Deco Architecture
The Chicago Bulls' "City" uniform for the 2020-21 season showcased elements of Chicago's Art Deco architecture and imagery, featuring a dark gray base, gold lettering, and red accents.
2020: Tim Sinclair Becomes Bulls Announcer
Tim Sinclair replaced Tommy Edwards as the announcer for the Chicago Bulls in 2020, marking a transition in the team's presentation and a new voice for the franchise.
March 25, 2021: Bulls Make Multiple Trades, Acquire Nikola Vučević and Al-Farouq Aminu
On March 25, 2021, the Chicago Bulls executed multiple trades. They traded Wendell Carter Jr. and Otto Porter, along with two future first-round draft picks, to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Nikola Vučević and Al-Farouq Aminu. In another trade, they sent Chandler Hutchison and Daniel Gafford to the Washington Wizards, receiving Troy Brown Jr. and Moe Wagner in return. Wagner was subsequently traded, along with Luke Kornet, to the Boston Celtics for Daniel Theis and Javonte Green.
July 29, 2021: Bulls Select Ayo Dosunmu in NBA Draft
The Chicago Bulls selected Ayo Dosunmu, a player from their hometown, with the 38th pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft.
August 2, 2021: Bulls Acquire Lonzo Ball and Sign Alex Caruso
On August 2, 2021, the Chicago Bulls made significant moves to bolster their roster. They acquired Lonzo Ball from the New Orleans Pelicans in a trade involving Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple, a 2024 second-round pick, and cash considerations. On the same day, the Bulls secured the signing of free agent Alex Caruso, the 2020 NBA Champion, after he and the Los Angeles Lakers couldn't reach an agreement.
2021: Chicago Bulls Unveil "Mixtape" "City" Uniform
The Chicago Bulls' "City" uniform for the 2021-22 season was a "mixtape" of past uniform designs. This primarily red uniform incorporated design elements from previous uniforms, creating a unique blend of the team's visual history.
2021: Chicago Bulls Continue to Wear White Home Uniforms
The Chicago Bulls continued to wear their white "Association" uniforms as their primary home uniform starting in the 2021-22 season.
January 22, 2022: DeRozan Named All-Star Starter, LaVine Selected as Reserve
On January 22, 2022, DeMar DeRozan was announced as a starter for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game. Eight days later, Zach LaVine was also named to the All-Star team as a reserve, marking the first time since 2017 that the Bulls had multiple All-Star selections.
June 23, 2022: Bulls Select Dalen Terry in NBA Draft and Re-sign Zach LaVine to Historic Contract
On June 23, 2022, the Chicago Bulls selected Dalen Terry with the 18th pick in the NBA Draft. In a major move, the Bulls re-signed Zach LaVine to a five-year contract worth $215.2 million, marking the largest contract in the franchise's history.
2022: Chicago Bulls Honor Municipal "Y" Symbol with "City" Uniform
The Chicago Bulls' "City" uniform for the 2022-23 season paid homage to Chicago's municipal device "Y" symbol. The primarily white uniform featured rust red letters with black trim, along with alternating red and black side stripes.
February 21, 2023: Bulls Sign Patrick Beverley for Remainder of the Season
On February 21, 2023, the Chicago Bulls signed Patrick Beverley for the rest of the season. Head coach Billy Donovan expressed hope that Beverley's addition would provide a boost to the team as they aimed for a spot in the play-in tournament.
June 22, 2023: Bulls Select Julian Philips in NBA Draft, Re-sign Vučević and White, Add Veteran Players
On June 22, 2023, the Chicago Bulls acquired the 35th overall pick in the NBA Draft from the Washington Wizards in exchange for a couple of second-round picks. They used this pick to select Julian Philips. The Bulls also re-signed Nikola Vučević and Coby White to three-year contracts and added veteran players Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig to their roster.
2023: Heat Eliminate Bulls in Play-In Tournament
In 2023, the Bulls and Heat faced off in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. The Heat, led by former Bull Jimmy Butler, secured a win and advanced to the playoffs, continuing the legacy of their rivalry.
2023: Chicago Bulls "City" Uniform Release
In 2023, the Chicago Bulls released their "City" uniform, a black-based design inspired by the Chicago Stadium. The uniform featured the vertical "Chicago" wordmark from the Stadium marquee, red numbers on the chest, and the "Madhouse on Madison" monicker on the jock tag.
January 12, 2024: Bulls Introduce Ring of Honor
On January 12, 2024, the Chicago Bulls established the Ring of Honor to recognize and celebrate former players and personnel.
April 4, 2024: Last Roster Transaction
The Chicago Bulls' last roster transaction took place on April 4, 2024.