What happened: Chicago exercised its team options on forwards Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue ahead of the 2026-27 season. The decisions keep both former first-round picks under club control beyond this season.

Why it matters: Buzelis enters Year 3 after leaving the Oct. 9 preseason game favoring his right leg and returning with a 12-point third-quarter burst. Essengue opens his second season in No. 2 as Chicago prioritizes size and development on the wing.

What to watch: Chicago continues preseason before opening the 2026-27 schedule. Minutes and rotation roles for both forwards will clarify in upcoming games.