Joel Lorenzi

News: This was my last week at The Oklahoman. I’m moving back home to cover the Bulls for The Athletic. Thankful that @jeffpattOKC and the crew embraced me. They gave me the shot I always wanted. Appreciative of @glennyoder and this staff for their belief in me and my path.

For my debut story at @TheAthletic, I pulled up to watch Derrick Rose play chess. He’s seemingly found fulfillment in his new obsession. Now he’s out here hoping to grow the game:  nytimes.com/athletic/64992…

Bulls officially announce that they signed Yuki Kawamura to a two-way deal, waiving Jahmir Young.

Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN. Bulls finalized the deal with Kawamura's agents at Wasserman to sign the 5-foot-8 point guard amid a strong summer league.

Meet our new Bulls writer @JoelXLorenzi, a Humboldt Park native who's back home. nytimes.com/athletic/65012…

Before my first story runs in the morning, my brief introduction at The Athletic: nytimes.com/athletic/65012…

Noa Essengue (right quad contusion) is out today, per Bulls PR. He is considered day-to-day.

Seeing a lot of similarities to Fiserv in Milwaukee (an enjoyable experience). Looks insane.

Bulls taking on the Jazz Friday at T&M

The NBA’s Board of Governors will meet in Las Vegas today. And expansion will be among the discussion items on the agenda. But the league’s new media rights deal may be slowing momentum to add two new teams. With @MikeVorkunov, in @TheAthletic: nytimes.com/athletic/64941…

Bulls release their 2025 preseason schedule, a five-game slate that begins in Cleveland on Oct 7 and closes vs the Wolves on Oct 16.

Matas Buzelis says Bulls fans deserve better: “Our fans are amazing and we need to bring them a championship. Plain and simple.”

Matas Buzelis confirms he’s done playing for the remainder of Summer League.

Bulls are gonna pick up their first summer win playing the way they’d like to, in transition often and with a decent number of 3s. Really encouraging Essengue and Buzelis games. 21 (7/14) for Noa, and 28 & 5 for Matas.

Johnny Furphy…oh my.

Bulls have trucked the Pacers late in the 1st. Essengue picking his spots well and showing off some touch. Bulls out and running.

Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue both back in the starting lineup for the Summer Bulls

Would appear that, per his IG story, Josh Giddey is signing a deal with Puma.

Essengue on the injury: “I don’t know, I just took a hit. We’re gonna see how it feels the next few days. Go through treatment and all that.” Says he feels “alright” at this point.

BD3 says he thinks Essengue suffered knee-to-knee contact, “at least that’s what the trainers are telling me.” Says he’s day to day.

Noa Essengue is done for the night with a right quad contusion. Finishes with 12 points and 10 boards, plus a block and just one turnover in 19 minutes. Active on the glass, still eager as a defender. Work to do on the jumper and his positioning (physicality) but better.