Most of what has been reported about the Bulls this month is either confirmed or already overtaken by events. The one open question with real weight is Nic Claxton, and the payroll leaves almost no space for a big move.
Done and confirmed. Hoops Rumors reported October 17 that the Bulls cut four camp invitees, and that one is settled. Robinson, Peterson, Boston and Bridges all left the roster October 18, the same count. The Rob Dillingham-for-Buddy Hield swap with Charlotte is also finished.
Claxton's two weeks. Hoops Rumors reported October 5 that Claxton would miss at least two weeks. It carries a confidence score of 29 and is still open. The injury list now shows him day-to-day with an October 21 return estimate, the opener. Treat it as unresolved until he plays.
A stale Hawkins report. The October 5 report of a two-way deal for Jordan Hawkins still sits at confidence 29 and open. Events passed it. Hawkins joined the roster October 6 and scored 14 against Minnesota in the preseason finale. Nothing left to check there.
Who is really out. The Chicago Sun-Times pointed October 17 to Claxton as the one Bull unavailable for the start. That is their reporting, and the injury list reads differently. Okoro, Awaka and Collins are also day-to-day, each with an October 21 return estimate. Watch the final report Wednesday.
Towns is commentary. Pippen Ain't Easy ran a column October 18 weighing a Karl-Anthony Towns trade. It is an opinion piece. No outlet in our file says Chicago has called anyone about Towns. A fan blog arguing both sides is not a rumor, so file it as talk.
What the cap allows. Payroll is $164.3M against a $165.0M cap, so $0.7M of space. The tax line at $200.4M is far away. Giddey ($25.0M), Claxton ($23.1M) and Powell ($21.5M) hold the biggest salaries. Any real addition means sending salary back out.
Is Nic Claxton playing in the Bulls' season opener?
His status is not settled. The injury list shows him day-to-day with an estimated return of October 21, the date of the opener at Toronto, while a report from October 5 had him out at least two weeks.
Can the Bulls afford a big trade right now?
Not without sending salary out. Payroll is $164.3M against a $165.0M cap, leaving $0.7M of space, though the $200.4M tax line is far off.
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