As the Chicago Bulls narrow down their search for a new basketball architect, Yankee Scores examines the candidates competing for the NBA’s most scrutinized vacancy—and the legacy they are being asked to protect.

The candidates for the new head of basketball operations include Timberwolves’ GM Matt Lloyd, Pistons’ senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Hawks’ senior vice president Bryson Graham, Cavaliers’ GM Mike Gansey, and Spurs’ assistant GM Dave Telep.

Matt Lloyd (General Manager, Minnesota Timberwolves)

Timberwolves’ GM Matt Lloyd, Pistons’ senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Hawks’ senior vice president Bryson Graham, Cavaliers’ GM Mike Gansey, and Spurs’ assistant GM Dave Telep.

Lloyd worked for the Chicago Bulls organization for 17 years (1995-2012) in basketball operations and scouting positions prior to spending a decade as assistant general manager for the Orlando Magic. Since 2022, he has been Connelly’s right-hand man and a key person in Timberwolves daily operations, with the club being a two-time finalist for the Western Conference title.

Dennis Lindsey (Senior VP of Basketball Operations, Detroit Pistons)

Lindsey began working with Pistons early into the 2024-25 season and has more than 30 years of experience in scouting and front office positions. He has worked for the Utah Jazz for 11 seasons, spending seven years as general manager and two years as vice president of basketball operations. Lindsey served as a senior adviser to the Dallas Mavericks during the 2023-24 season, helping the Mavs get to the Finals.

Bryson Graham (Senior VP of Basketball Operations, Atlanta Hawks)

After 15 years as part of the Pelicans’ front office (2010-2025), Graham got to join the Hawks, holding the position of intern and general manager. Throughout his career as an executive, he has earned a reputation as an experienced scout, responsible for some significant finds via the draft and free agency.

Mike Gansey (General Manager, Cleveland Cavaliers)

Since February 2022, Gansey has been in charge of the Cavaliers as general manager, under team president Koby Altman, having helped bring back Cleveland Cavaliers back to being a serious Eastern Conference competitor after serving as an assistant general manager and managing the Cavs’ G-League affiliate.

Dave Telep (Assistant General Manager, San Antonio Spurs)

Telep’s career includes 13 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, with the executive serving as vice president of basketball operations, director of player personnel, and director of scouting for the franchise. Prior to joining San Antonio’s front office, Telep was ESPN.com’s senior national recruiting analyst and a sideline reporter for ESPNU.

Austin Brown (co-head of CAA’s basketball division)

Honored in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2015 and named to Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 in 2020, Brown is a successful agent who has attracted numerous front-office offers during the last several years. Brown was offered the general manager’s job by the Bulls during their 2020 search process, according to sources.

The Chicago native currently represents such prominent NBA players as Donovan Mitchell, Jaren Jackson Jr., Cooper Flagg, Trae Young, OG Anunoby, among others.

During the past 15 years, agents that made their way into the front office include Bob Myers (Golden State Warriors, 2011), Rob Pelinka (Los Angeles Lakers, 2017), and Leon Rose (New York Knicks, 2020).