NBA Notes: Bulls, Josh Giddey, Pistons, roster, Pacers, draft

Bulls

Josh Giddey got paid last summer. Whether that automatically makes him the long-term face of the Chicago Bulls is another discussion entirely.

According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Giddey’s four-year, $100 million contract may not necessarily mean the organization views the 23-year-old as an untouchable franchise cornerstone moving forward.

Cowley noted that much of that evaluation could ultimately depend on how new basketball operations chief Bryson Graham views the roster over time.

Giddey remains one of the league’s more intriguing young playmakers and still has upside. But with Chicago continuing to search for direction organizationally, it sounds like the Bulls may still be figuring out exactly what they have.

Pistons

The Detroit Pistons quietly enter one of the more fascinating offseason situations in the NBA.

According to cap analyst Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron, Detroit must decide whether operating under the salary cap to pursue a significant free agent is worth the financial trade-offs that would come with it.

The bigger challenge may be roster balance.

Both Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson project to become more expensive long-term, though neither is viewed as a reliable perimeter shooter right now.

So while Detroit clearly has young talent, the Pistons still need more offensive spacing and scoring around that core moving forward.

Pacers

The Indiana Pacers may not currently own a pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but they’re still staying active in the scouting process.

Indiana announced two separate pre-draft workout groups this week as the organization continues evaluating possible second-round, trade-back and undrafted options.

Among Thursday’s participants are Nimari Burnett, Tucker DeVries and Seth Trimble.

Friday’s group includes MJ Collins, Jaxon Kohler and Ernest Udeh.

Even without a current draft selection, the Pacers appear prepared for the possibility of moving back into the draft or adding several undrafted free agents later this offseason.