John Paxson reportedly willing to step down entirely from Bulls position

The Chicago Bulls are looking to make a major change to their front office structure, and one of their current key decision-makers is willing to step out of the way entirely if that is what the team wants.

Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson is open to resigning from the organization if the Reinsdorfs, who own the the Bulls, feel that is best for the franchise. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times was told by a source that Paxson is prepared to either step aside and act as more of an advisor for the Bulls or step down entirely.

Paxson won three championships with the Bulls as a player, and he was hired as the team’s general manager in 2003 after longtime GM Jerry Krause resigned. The 59-year-old became the VP of basketball operations when Forman was named GM in 2009.

The Bulls are 22-43 this season and have not posted a winning record since 2015-16. The Chicago Sun-Times report notes that Paxson has grown increasingly frustrated with being lumped together with Forman, as the phrase “Gar-Pax” has gained popularity in Chicago in recent years. Typically, fans have used the term when discussing the duo’s inability to bring the team back to championship contention.

The Bulls are looking to hire a new front office executive who will have full control over basketball decisions, so it would be tough not to view any transition to another role for Paxson as a demotion. At least one candidate has reportedly already turned down the Bulls.