For the first time in a long time, the Chicago Bulls have a gleam about them.A new coach. A new front office. A newly drafted, potential franchise cornerstone. Newfound conviction, something that appears like a direction. Not a contending roster by any means, but a worthy NBA League Pass team. The Bulls, if nothing else, recaptured intrigue.Training camp is weeks away, meaning we’re about a month from seeing the product of the busiest offseason in recent Bulls memory. With virtually all the pieces set, let’s answer questions about the team’s outlook, its place in foregone free-agency rumors and how the rotation could shake out.(Submitted questions have been edited for clarity and length.)Were the Bulls really in the hunt for Jonathan Kuminga and Bennedict Mathurin, or were these only rumors? — August W.They were two different scenarios that didn’t actualize for similar reasons. The Bulls are starving for talent and understand they’re in little position to sniff their nose at young players with potential upside. That said, given their prioritization of flexibility, the asking price never seemed ideal for either player.As I reported in August, any rumored interest in Mathurin was overstated. His playstyle isn’t particularly additive to Chicago, even for a roster without a formed identity.Among the things we do know about these Bulls based on construction are their weaknesses (namely shooting, defense and playmaking) and the prospects most frequently associated with their future (Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis). Not only are those weaknesses different from Mathurin’s calling cards, but granting him the shot volume he’s accustomed to would be counterintuitive for Chicago’s budding youngsters.Watch This: No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson posterizes defenderAt best, maybe Mathurin improves as a shooter, connective passer or team defender. At worst, his weaknesses prove disruptive to the lineup in his minutes or hinder the development of the others.Mathurin agreed to a two-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans with a player option in Year 2 — a level of commitment the Bulls never seemed willing to reach. For those reasons, a Mathurin and Chicago pairing never came close to finding legs.But the Bulls expressed definite interest in Kuminga, according to a league source speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss front-office strategy. Bulls lead executive Bryson Graham was part of the Atlanta Hawks front office that traded for Kuminga last season, and a reunion was welcomed in Chicago with the understanding Kuminga wouldn’t displace the prioritized chips in the rebuild.Per that source, the Bulls wouldn’t promise Kuminga he’d start or close games most nights, considering the franchise’s most coveted young talents are also forwards. This is to say nothing of Kuminga’s playstyle or decision-making reputation. In a role and contract considerate of those things, Chicago was willing to take a swing at his talent.Kuminga ultimately opted to ink a two-year deal (also with a player option in Year 2) in Minnesota, where he’s expected to start while earning just over $6 million annually. He joins a playoff team willing to concede two guaranteed years and steps into a prominent role on a roster devoid of depth at his position.