Bulls have narrowed field for top basketball exec to four

The Bulls are getting close to a decision, and it sounds like one name is starting to separate from the pack.

Chicago has trimmed its search for a head of basketball operations to four finalists, per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. That list includes Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd, Pelicans exec Bryson Graham, Mavericks advisor Dennis Lindsey and Celtics assistant GM Dave Lewin.

Around the league, Lloyd is viewed as the frontrunner. He has Chicago roots and began his NBA career with the Bulls, so there’s familiarity on both sides. Cowley reports a hire could come within the next several days.

There’s more. Lloyd is believed to have a coach in mind if he lands the job. That name is Minnesota top assistant Micah Nori, who has drawn interest in multiple cycles.

Cowley also notes Lewin could join the front office as general manager and head of analytics. So this may be more than a one-hire situation.