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Chicago Bulls mascot Benny the Bull waves a team flag before a game, as the franchise continues its search for a new head of basketball operations following a major front office shakeup.

The Chicago Bulls’ search for a new head of basketball operations hit an early snag after one of its most high-profile targets removed himself from consideration, forcing the franchise to recalibrate as a pivotal offseason unfolds.

Austin Brown Withdraws From Bulls GM Search in Early Setback

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Austin Brown has elected not to pursue Chicago’s top basketball decision-maker role.

“The Bulls were informed that the co-head of CAA’s basketball division, Austin Brown, has elected not to pursue their head of basketball operations position,” Charania reported on X, adding that Chicago had already begun its first round of interviews.

Brown’s withdrawal removes one of the most intriguing candidates from the process and represents a less-than-ideal start for a franchise looking to reset its identity.

Austin Brown’s Profile Made Him a Coveted Candidate

As co-head of basketball at Creative Artists Agency, Brown has built one of the most influential client portfolios in the NBA. His roster includes stars such as Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, Jaren Jackson Jr., Myles Turner and Andrew Wiggins.

That résumé — built on relationships, negotiation experience and talent evaluation — made him a compelling option for a Bulls team seeking a modern, player-connected executive.

His candidacy also aligned with a growing NBA trend of agents moving into front office leadership roles, following paths carved by Bob Myers, Rob Pelinka and Leon Rose.

Bulls Continue GM Search With Deep Candidate Pool

Despite missing out on Brown, Chicago still has multiple respected candidates under consideration, including Matt Lloyd of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dennis Lindsey of the Detroit Pistons, Bryson Graham of the Atlanta Hawks, Mike Gansey of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dave Telep of the San Antonio Spurs.

The wide-ranging list reflects a franchise casting a broad net for a leader capable of reshaping both its roster and long-term direction.

Bulls Front Office Reset Raises Stakes of Hiring Process

The urgency behind the search stems from Chicago’s recent decision to move on from top executives Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley after six seasons.

That move signaled a clear shift in direction, placing added pressure on ownership to get this hire right — and quickly. The Bulls are targeting a hire around the NBA Draft Combine, compressing the timeline for what is arguably the franchise’s most important decision in years.

Billy Donovan’s Exit Paves Clean Slate for Next GM

While the primary focus remains on the front office search, Chicago’s broader transition also includes the recent resignation of head coach Billy Donovan.

Donovan stepped down days after the front office shakeup, a move first reported by Charania, despite the Bulls’ interest in bringing him back. Charania previously reported that Donovan preferred to step aside and allow incoming leadership to select its own coach — effectively clearing the runway for a fully aligned rebuild.

His departure eliminates any potential overlap between the previous regime and the next, giving Chicago’s future executive complete autonomy in shaping the team’s direction.

Next Bulls GM Faces Two Franchise-Defining Decisions

Whoever ultimately lands the job will step into one of the most consequential stretches in recent franchise history.

The new executive’s first major task will be hiring a head coach to replace Donovan — a decision that will shape the team’s identity, system and culture from day one.

Shortly after, that same executive will oversee Chicago’s lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. The Bulls hold a 4.5% chance at the No. 1 overall selection, though the most likely outcome is landing at No. 9.

Those two decisions — choosing the next head coach and making a lottery draft selection — will effectively define the early trajectory of the new regime.

Critical Offseason Looms After Austin Brown Decision

Brown’s withdrawal does not derail Chicago’s search, but it does remove a candidate who represented a modern, relationship-driven approach to team-building.

With interviews underway and the clock ticking toward the draft, the Bulls must now identify a leader capable of navigating immediate pressure while building a sustainable future.

For a franchise at a crossroads, the margin for error is slim — and the next hire will shape everything that follows.