Matas Buzelis’ Leap Could Change EVERYTHING… But Did The Bulls Miss On Peyton Watson?

Matas Buzelis already proved he belongs — but now the Chicago Bulls need to find out if he can become one of the pillars of a real contender.On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down why the 2026-27 season could be the most important year yet for Matas Buzelis. After averaging 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds as a rookie, Matas jumped to 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks last season while starting all 77 games he played. Now the question is bigger: can Matas go from promising young starter to a true piece Chicago can build around with Caleb Wilson and Josh Giddey?Haize explains why Caleb Wilson’s arrival should not become a Caleb vs. Matas debate. Caleb projects as the physical downhill force, while Matas can become the perimeter-oriented scorer, secondary creator and weak-side defensive disruptor. If both develop properly, Chicago may have two forwards who solve different problems instead of two prospects competing for the same spotlight.The show also lays out what “THE leap” actually looks like for Matas: roughly 20-22 points per game, improved creation, more dependable high-volume shooting, better free-throw pressure and more complete two-way defense. His post-All-Star production — 19.0 points and 6.9 rebounds — suggests the 20-point level is realistic if he can sustain it over a full season.Then Haize replaces today’s Facts Or Cap segment with the new Cleveland trade question: did the Bulls miss out after the Cavaliers landed Peyton Watson in a sign-and-trade? Reporting attributed to ESPN’s Shams Charania says Cleveland, Denver and the Clippers agreed to a deal sending Peyton Watson to the Cavaliers, Max Strus to the Clippers, and an unprotected 2031 Cavaliers first-round pick plus a 2032 Kings second-rounder to Denver; Watson is reportedly joining Cleveland on a four-year, $88 million deal, while the Clippers absorbed Strus’ salary through a trade exception.Haize debates whether Chicago should have chased Watson as a young defensive wing who fits the rebuild, whether the reported price was too rich for a Bulls team still evaluating its core, and whether Bryson Graham should have at least tried to get involved on Max Strus as a shooting addition. The answer may be less about one missed player and more about what this deal reveals: rebuilding teams with flexibility have to be ready when aggressive teams need help.Plus, Haize reacts to the idea of Kyle Korver returning to the Bulls’ front office after his Hawks departure. Korver has Bulls ties, a connection to Bryson Graham from Atlanta and a modern front-office résumé — but until stronger reporting emerges, it’s more of a back-burner storyline than a full rumor.🔥 Topics include:Matas Buzelis’ Year 3 leapWhy Caleb Wilson raises the stakes for MatasMatas as Caleb’s co-star, not rivalWhat 20-point Matas would mean for the rebuildWhy creation matters more than raw scoringMatas’ shooting, free throws and two-way growthCavaliers land Peyton Watson in sign-and-tradeDid the Bulls miss their chance at a young rebuild wing?Should Chicago have tried to land Max Strus?Why Bryson Graham’s patience is being testedKyle Korver front office speculation🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy