Chicago carries $161.5 million in payroll against a $165.0 million salary cap, nowhere near the $200.4 million luxury tax line or the $209.0 million first apron. The Bulls own their first-round picks in 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030, owing only a 2027 second-round pick to Oklahoma City.
The top line. Chicago's payroll sits at $161.5 million, under the $165.0 million salary cap. That leaves the Bulls with breathing room the tax payers around the league don't have, and nowhere close to the $200.4 million luxury tax line.
The big five. Josh Giddey tops the books at $25.0 million, followed by Nic Claxton at $23.1 million, Norman Powell at $21.5 million, Patrick Williams at $18.0 million and Isaac Okoro at $11.8 million. Those five account for the bulk of the number.
Powell's option. Norman Powell holds a team option worth $22.6 million for 2027-28. Tre Jones carries a smaller team option that season too, at $8.0 million, giving Chicago two decision points before next summer's books lock in.
Coming off the books. Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith and Leonard Miller are the only 2026-27 salaries that don't show up on next season's cap sheet. Okoro's $11.8 million is the largest of that group set to clear.
The picks stack. Chicago owns its first-round picks outright in 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030. The only real subtraction is a 2027 second owed to Oklahoma City, with second-round swaps attached to 2028 and 2030.
The aprons don't matter yet. The first apron sits at $209.0 million and the second at $221.7 million, both far beyond a $161.5 million payroll. None of the roster-building restrictions tied to those lines apply to this front office right now.
Whose books these are. Bryson Graham took over as the Bulls' basketball operations boss on May 4, after Chicago fired Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley in April. The $161.5 million payroll and the picks stacked through 2030 are the tools he has to work with.
Are the Bulls over the salary cap in 2026-27?
No. Chicago's payroll is $161.5 million against a $165.0 million cap, well under the $200.4 million luxury tax line.
How many first-round picks do the Bulls own?
Chicago owns its own first-round picks in 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030, and owes only a 2027 second-round pick to Oklahoma City.
