The Chicago Bulls relieved longtime executive Gar Forman of his duties after 22 years with the franchise, the team announced Monday.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to work for the Chicago Bulls for more than two decades," Forman said in a statement through the team. "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."
Since his promotion to general manager in 2009, Forman oversaw many of the roster-shaping moves that resulted in seven playoff appearances over 10 seasons. In the Bulls' release, team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf cited Forman's influence bringing standout talents such as Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Jimmy Butler to the franchise.
Forman's former boss and longtime front-office running mate John Paxson is potentially remaining with the organization in an advisory role in the wake of widespread organizational overhaul.
The Bulls confirmed the expected hiring of Arturas Karnisovas as the team's new executive vice president of basketball operations on Monday, officially signaling the team's largest regime change in decades.
In addition to retooling the front office, the former Denver Nuggets general manager will be tasked with improving a roster that made the playoffs just once in the previous four seasons and was on track to miss out yet again before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of the NBA season.
