Bulls announce key roster change amid undefeated start in 2025-26

The 5-0 Chicago Bulls have become one of the most unexpected stories of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Throughout a dominant stretch on both ends of the floor led by their second-year sensation Matas Buzelis, do-it-all floor general Josh Giddey and floor-spacing center Nikola Vučević, the Bulls have established themselves as a fearsome opponent in the Eastern Conference.

In the midst of their incredible start to the new year, Chicago's front office recently took an interesting step towards planning for the future by making a crucial decision with regard to their No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Noa Essengue.

"Roster Update: We have assigned Noa Essengue to the Windy City Bulls," the team shared via X/Twitter on Sunday.

At just 18 years old, the 6-foot-9 rookie forward has yet to make his NBA debut for the Bulls this season, especially since they've rattled off a few impressive victories.

With Essengue yet to have a chance at making an impact off of Chicago's bench, it makes sense for the organization to prioritize his development by sending him down to their Windy City Bulls G-League affiliate for the foreseeable future.

While suiting up for Windy City, Essengue will be afforded an opportunity to prove that he can contribute at a solid rate with more consistent playing time.

Heading into an early-season rematch against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks on Sunday night, Chicago boasts a 119.0 offensive rating (No. 6 ranked), 110.3 defensive rating (No. 6 ranked) and a league-leading figure of 30.6 assists as a collective.

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