The Bulls decided that they didn't want to go through a full rebuild again this season. They didn't trade Jimmy Butler, they signed veterans Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo and they tried to put together a team that would remain in the public consciousness. The Bulls' front office wanted to remain relevant.
On paper, it sure seems like they accomplished that goal. Whether the Bulls are any better than their 42-40 record of a year ago remains to be seen, but they figure to be more interesting this season -- on and off the floor. With that in mind, let's take a look at 10 of the most interesting games on the Bulls' schedule.
Oct. 27 vs. Celtics
Wade's first regular-season appearance with the Bulls will give fans something to cheer about on opening night as second-year head coach Fred Hoiberg shows off his new-look team. Rondo also gets a chance to make a good first impression in Chicago facing off against the team he helped win a title for in 2008.
Nov. 4 vs. Knicks
Who will get a bigger reception from the United Center crowd -- Derrick Rose or Joakim Noah -- as the Knicks come to town for the first time? Either way, Chicago will be hyped for Rose and Noah's return. Both players -- and their former teammates -- are going to be amped for this one. The only small surprise here is that the NBA decided not to put these teams against each other on opening night or Christmas.
Nov. 10 vs. Heat
There will be a lot of emotion in the air as Wade makes his return to Miami early in the year. Many around the league figured the future Hall of Famer was going to stay with the Heat for the duration of his career, but he surprised everyone by jilting Pat Riley and his old team for a big contract with the team he grew up cheering for in his hometown -- the Bulls.
Dec. 2 vs. Cavs
The reigning NBA champs make their first appearance in Chicago. Every game the Bulls play against LeBron James has more energy because of James' history of knocking the Bulls out of the playoffs. There will be even more intrigue this time around as James and the NBA champs roll into town for the first time. It also will mark the first time that James and his close friend, Wade, square off against one another with Wade on the Bulls.
Dec. 13 vs. Timberwolves
This is the one the basketball world has been waiting for since Tom Thibodeau was fired by the Bulls in May 2015. This will not be an average regular-season game. And if Thibodeau or the Bulls' front office tries to spin it that way, don't believe them. The divorce between the two sides was bitter. Each game between Thibodeau and his former team will be intense -- and this is the first chance they get at one another.
Dec. 25 vs. Spurs
Christmas in Texas for the Bulls also means another reunion -- this one against former center Pau Gasol. Gasol will get a chance to see some of his old teammates, including Bulls forward Niko Mirotic. The pair currently is playing for Spain in the Olympics. The Bulls' front office has to love the fact their team remains in the national spotlight on Christmas.
Jan. 12 vs. Knicks
Rose and Noah get to show the Bulls their new digs at Madison Square Garden -- a place both men love to play in. Rose and Noah will be looking to show their old team that they made a mistake by not keeping them. This game comes in the middle of a five-games-in-seven-nights stretch for the Bulls.
Feb. 8 vs. Warriors
The Bulls get their first look at Kevin Durant in a Warriors jersey as the two teams square off in Oakland. In recent years, the Bulls have played well in the loud Oracle Arena environment, squeaking out an overtime win on a Rose game winner a couple of seasons ago. With Durant and Stephen Curry together along with all the other weapons Golden State has, the Bulls face an even bigger test than usual in the midst of a tough West Coast swing. Butler also gets to see Olympic teammates Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Durant again.
Feb. 12 vs. Timberwolves
The bad blood between Thibodeau and the Bulls' front office is never going to subside -- let alone after the first matchup. It will be interesting to see where both of these teams are as they get set for the All-Star break. This is the last game of a six-game swing that starts in Oklahoma City.
April 4 vs. Knicks
Will the Bulls be in playoff contention? Will Rose and Noah still be on the floor at this point in the year after all their recent injury woes? What about Wade and Rondo? The Bulls meandered toward the finish at this point in the season a year ago, so what will be different now? No matter what the answers are, any clash between these teams this season will have some intrigue.
