Former Chicago Bulls executive Arturas Karnisovas didn't consider Tyrese Haliburton a serious prospect, sources told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Cowley adds that Karnisovas didn't think Haliburton would be a top-four player on the Bulls roster at the time.

New Bulls management has also reportedly spoken to Noa Essengue about his lack of physicality and emotional control.

Essengue was drafted No. 12 in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Karnisovas was fired from his position last spring and is currently a consultant for NBA Europe.

Bulls scouts also reportedly preferred Joan Beringer over Essengue, although scouts were hesitant to oppose Karnisovas.