FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2011, file photo, Houston Rockets director of global scouting Arturas Karnisovas poses during the NBA basketball team's media day in Houston. The Bulls hired Denver Nuggets general manager Karnisovas to run their basketball operation, a person familiar with the situation said Thursday night, April 9, 2020. The person, who confirmed reports by several outlets, spoke on the condition of anonymity because the move has not been announced. Longtime executive John Paxson was expected to move into an advisory role. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

CHICAGO | The Chicago Bulls fired general manager Gar Forman on Monday, while officially hiring Denver Nuggets GM Arturas Karnisovas as their executive vice president of basketball operations and moving John Paxson into an advisory role.

The Bulls handed the keys to the 48-year-old Karnisovas last week, hoping he can spark a struggling franchise.

FILE – In this Dec. 15, 2011, file photo, Houston Rockets director of global scouting Arturas Karnisovas poses during the NBA basketball team’s media day in Houston. The Bulls hired Denver Nuggets general manager Karnisovas to run their basketball operation, a person familiar with the situation said Thursday night, April 9, 2020. The person, who confirmed reports by several outlets, spoke on the condition of anonymity because the move has not been announced. Longtime executive John Paxson was expected to move into an advisory role. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
FILE – In this Dec. 15, 2011, file photo, Houston Rockets director of global scouting Arturas Karnisovas poses during the NBA basketball team’s media day in Houston. The Bulls hired Denver Nuggets general manager Karnisovas to run their basketball operation, a person familiar with the situation said Thursday night, April 9, 2020. The person, who confirmed reports by several outlets, spoke on the condition of anonymity because the move has not been announced. Longtime executive John Paxson was expected to move into an advisory role. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

Paxson is moving into a background role after nearly two decades as the top basketball decision-maker. He took over as general manager for Jerry Krause in 2003 and was promoted to vice president of basketball operations in May 2009 with Forman — who joined the Bulls as a scout in 1998 — becoming GM.

But now, Forman is out. And the future of coach Jim Boylen remains unclear.

The Bulls thought they were ready to contend for a playoff spot after combining for just 49 wins the past two seasons. Instead, they were 11th in the Eastern Conference at 22-43 when the NBA suspended play because of the COVID-19 pandemic.