bulls summer league: What You Need to Know (July 2026)
Bulls Summer League 2025: Chicago's Young Core Takes Center Stage
The Chicago Bulls are generating serious buzz this July, and it's not because of a blockbuster trade or a veteran signing. It's a group of young players running up and down the Thomas & Mack Center floor in Las Vegas, making enough noise to push "Bulls summer league" into one of the biggest trending searches in sports right now — a 50,000% spike in interest that tells you fans are genuinely paying attention.
So what's driving it? A combination of things: the Bulls are in a transitional moment roster-wise, and this summer league squad is giving Chicago faithful their clearest look yet at what the next chapter might look like.
Matas Buzelis Owns the Spotlight
If there's one name you need to know coming out of Las Vegas, it's Matas Buzelis. The 20-year-old forward, whom the Bulls landed via trade from San Antonio, has been the most electric player in their summer league rotation. Standing at 6-foot-10 with guard-level handles and the athleticism to finish above the rim, Buzelis has been averaging north of 18 points through his first two appearances while shooting efficiently from three. He's not just putting up numbers — he's making plays that make scouts lean forward in their seats.
Chicago gave up real assets to get him, and the early returns suggest they weren't wrong to do it. His footwork in isolation situations is unusually polished for a player his age, and his defensive motor — something that can't be coached into everyone — looks legitimate.
Other Pieces Worth Watching
Buzelis gets the headlines, but he's not the only reason Bulls fans are tuning in. A few other players have made the summer league worth watching:
- Julian Phillips, the 21-year-old wing, has shown improved shot mechanics and a comfort level attacking closeouts that wasn't as visible last summer. He finished with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting in Chicago's opening game.
- Dalen Terry continues to be a defensive presence and a willing passer, though his offensive game remains a question the Bulls need answered before he earns regular minutes.
- Undrafted rookie guard Jaylen Sherfield has been a pleasant surprise, pushing the pace and creating in the pick-and-roll with enough composure to earn a second look from the front office.
What It Means for Chicago's Bigger Picture
The Bulls spent the better part of three seasons stuck in the NBA's most uncomfortable position — too good to tank for a top pick, not good enough to compete for a title. That middle ground is finally starting to break. With DeMar DeRozan departed and Zach LaVine's future in Chicago still not entirely settled, the organization has quietly shifted toward building something younger and more sustainable.
Summer league doesn't build rosters. Plenty of summer league standouts have disappeared from league rotations by November, and everyone who follows the game knows it. But what summer league does is give you a temperature read on a team's developmental pipeline — and right now, Chicago's pipeline feels warmer than it has in years.
Why the Trending Search Makes Sense
Bulls fans have been patient through a frustrating stretch, and they're hungry for something to feel good about. Seeing Buzelis throw down a put-back dunk in transition or Phillips convert a tough mid-range pull-up taps into something real: the idea that this team might actually be interesting again soon.
Las Vegas summer league runs through mid-July, and Chicago still has games left to play. If Buzelis keeps performing the way he has, expect the search interest to stay elevated. Sometimes a trending topic is manufactured. This one feels earned.