Swain Clears, Wilson Impresses as Camp Rolls Toward October

Swain sheds the tag. Dailyn Swain shed his day-to-day tag on September 29, clearing the 21-year-old forward Chicago drafted 15th overall. Pippen Ain't Easy wrote a day later that fans should not expect much from him as a rookie, calling that fine for a team still four seasons removed from the playoffs.

Wilson turns heads. Bulls.com wrote September 30 that Caleb Wilson, the fourth overall pick, does not carry himself like an average rookie. He and Swain are the two first-year players drawing the most camp coverage this week, with no preseason minutes played yet.

Dillingham's next stop. Pippen Ain't Easy wrote September 29 that Rob Dillingham's career is now on thin ice in Charlotte, after Bulls.com confirmed September 27 that Chicago's return for him was Buddy Hield. Dillingham had been cleared from day-to-day earlier that same week.

Giddey's system fit. Pippen Ain't Easy argued September 29 that Josh Giddey's game should borrow from Chris Finch's offensive approach as he adjusts to Tiago Splitter. Giddey averaged 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 9.1 assists across 54 games last season, his most complete year yet.

Graham talks rebuild. Bulls.com posted a September 29 conversation in which Bryson Graham and Tiago Splitter both said they are ready for the rebuild ahead. It followed an earlier Pippen Ain't Easy piece framing Graham's own standards as still searching for clarity.

Camp clock ticking. Zach Collins remains day-to-day with a right toe issue, targeting an October 7 return, the same day Chicago opens the preseason at home against Phoenix. Whether he's ready for that opener is still unclear, and the regular season follows October 21 at Toronto.

Cap number to know. Chicago carries $161.5 million in salary this year, $3.5 million below the $165.0 million cap line and well clear of the $200.4 million tax. Giddey's $25.0 million and Claxton's $23.1 million remain the two largest deals on the books.