2009–10 Chicago Bulls season
The 2009–10 Chicago Bulls season was the 44th season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA). They finished with a record of 41-41 (.500) for the fourth time in their past five seasons. In the playoffs, the Bulls lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games in the First Round. Offseason. On May 20, the Bulls promoted Gar Forman to General Manager. Former GM John Paxson accepted a new role as executive vice president of basketball operations.<ref name="sports.espn.go.com/chicago/news/story?id=4187751"></ref> Forman's top priority for the offseason was to re-sign  Ben Gordon.<ref name="espn.go.com/chicago/story?id=4195181"></ref> Ben Gordon signed with the Detroit Pistons on July 1, 2009. Free agency. On July 13, 2009, the Bulls signed guard Jannero Pargo to a one-year deal, helping to fill the void Ben Gordon made in leaving the team.<ref name="espn.go.com/chicago/story?id=4324139"></ref> On July 14, the Bulls re-signed guard Lindsey Hunter with a one-year contract.<ref name="espn.go.com/chicago/story?id=4324926"></ref> Regular season summary. On January 25, 2010, the Bulls traded center Aaron Gray for guard Devin Brown of the New Orleans Hornets. On February 18, 2010, the Bulls traded guard John  Salmons for forwards Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander of the Milwaukee Bucks. Meanwhile, the Bulls traded forward Tyrus Thomas for guards Ronald Murray and Acie Law of the Charlotte Bobcats. Playoffs. The Bulls managed to clinch the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference over the Toronto Raptors near the final day of the regular season. This marked the fifth time in six years Chicago has made the playoffs. With the lowest seed they faced the number one ranked Cleveland Cavaliers. Poised to win a championship LeBron James and the Cavs defeated the Bulls 4 games to 1 with the over -matched Bulls making a valiant effort in game 5, losing 96-94. Awards, records and milestones. Milestones. First team to win five consecutive games over opponents over .500 on the road