CHICAGO _ The Chicago Bulls officially began moving in a new direction Monday, announcing Arturas Karnisovas as their new executive vice president of basketball operations _ a role that gives him full responsibility for all the team's basketball operations _ while providing clarity for the future of the team's old regime.
Gar Forman was fired as general manager and will not be involved in basketball operations going forward, putting an end to rumors about him remaining with the organization as a scout. Forman spent 22 years with franchise and was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2011.
Meanwhile, John Paxson, who had been the team's top basketball executive since 2003, will move to a new role as senior advisor of basketball operations.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to work for the Chicago Bulls for more than two decades," Forman said in a statement. "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. The Bulls organization will always hold a special place in my heart."
The moves come as the Bulls plan to shake up their front office under Karnisovas, who is only the team's third head of basketball operations since the Reinsdorfs took over in 1984 and first to come from outside the organization.
"This is the height of a dream for me, and I am prepared for the challenge that it presents," Karnisovas said in a statement. "I grew up watching the Chicago Bulls. They represented American basketball and the NBA to a kid from Lithuania. I've always had a love for this franchise and to be a part of it and influence its revival is a privilege. I want to thank Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf and the entire Bulls organization for presenting me with this opportunity and welcoming me and my family to Chicago."
Today's moves were limited to the front office, which is where Karnisovas focus is expected to stand for now while the NBA's season is suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A search for a new general manager will begin this week.
