The organization has fired general manager Gar Forman, it announced on the same day it officially named Arturas Karnisovas as its new executive vice president of basketball operations. The press release announcing Forman's exit mentioned specifically that he won't be involved in basketball operations. There had been some speculation that Forman could remain with the Bulls in a scouting role.
"After some consideration and conversation, it was apparent that we had different philosophies," Karnisovas said of Forman's firing on a conference call later. "That would prevent us from moving forward. I'm sure Gar gave his best to the Bulls organization, but the decision, those decisions are never easy. I was hired to effect change on the current situation. That was the decision behind that."
Additionally, former executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson will remain with the Bulls and transition into the role of senior advisor of basketball operations.
Forman's dismissal marked the first major shockwave of a shakeup as the organization has turned to a new top basketball executive for the first time since 2003.
"Gar Forman worked tirelessly for the Chicago Bulls organization, first as a scout and then as an executive," chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "He made many significant contributions during his time here and helped to bring some of the brightest young basketball talent to our team, from Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson to Jimmy Butler and Coby White. He has been a trusted advisor and friend to me over the years, and on behalf of everyone I want to thank him for his commitment to the organization. Gar will always be a part of our Bulls family."
Forman joined the Bulls as a scout in 1998 and worked his way up from there. He was promoted to the team's general manager position in May 2009. Forman helped build the Bulls nucleus that won 62 games in 2010-'11 and remained an Eastern Conference contender during coach Tom Thibodeau's reign until 2015. He also played a leading role in the organization's downturn since, as the Bulls have made the playoffs just once since 2015 and watched as their rebuild stalled out in going 22-43 before the coronavirus pandemic halted this season.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to work for the Chicago Bulls for more than two decades," Forman said in a statement. "There is no better ownership group in professional sports than the Reinsdorfs, and I want to thank Jerry and Michael for their support during my tenure. The Bulls organization will always hold a special place in my heart."
Along with his boss Paxson, Forman drew much ire from Bulls fans in recent years. After the Bulls launched a rebuild by trading All-Star wing Jimmy Butler in June 2017, Paxson took over the public-facing role of the organization. Forman had receded into a scouting role this past season.
The Bulls released a statement from Paxson on his new role.
"When I came here in 1985, I never imagined what the Chicago Bulls would mean to me more than 35 years later," Paxson said. "While I’m in a new role and a new phase in my life, what won’t ever change is my commitment to the Bulls and appreciation to Jerry and Michael for the incredible opportunities I’ve been afforded. I’ve had the rare opportunity to see this team as a player, broadcaster and executive, and at every turn I’ve been fortunate to experience what makes this organization so special - people who give their best every day and work together as a team, as well as our incredible fans who support us. I’ve always tried to do what was best for our organization and put our team in position to succeed, and ultimately compete. I know Arturas will do the same. He brings the kind of talent, experience and commitment to collaboration that will allow him to succeed in his new role. I truly believe this is a great opportunity for the Bulls organization and that there are bright days ahead."