The Chicago Bulls have fired general manager Gar Forman, according to Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago. A statement from the team says that Forman, who spent 22 years with the franchise, “will not be involved in basketball operations department.”

Forman, whose role was reportedly reduced to scouting as the last few months, had two years remaining in his contract, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. Forman will be in demand as a scout for other teams.

“He has been a trusted advisor and friend to me over the years, and on behalf of everyone I want to thank him for his commitment to the organization,” said Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf in a statement. “Gar will always be a part of our Bulls family.”

Forman's partner, John Paxson, has been re-assigned as Senior Advisor of Basketball Operations after Arturas Karnisovas was hired to take his post as executive vice president of basketball operations.

Paxson will be removed from day-to-day operations and only asked for advice for transactions, roster moves, or things pertaining with the NBA Draft. Karnisovas, whom the Bulls hired at the start of April, will have the final word.

“While I’m in a new role and a new phase in my life, what won’t ever change is my commitment to the Bulls and appreciation to Jerry and Michael for the incredible opportunities I’ve been afforded,” said Paxson in a statement. “I’ve always tried to do what was best for our organization and put our team in position to succeed, and ultimately compete. I know Arturas will do the same. He brings the kind of talent, experience and commitment to collaboration that will allow him to succeed.”

Paxson apparently was the one responsible for kickstarting this front-office overhaul, as Reinsdorf notes in his statement:

“John has an invaluable perspective on our organization and where we want to be, and he played an instrumental role in this change by bringing forward the idea of a restructure and reorganization.”

Karnisovas has already hired an assistant general manager in J.J. Polk and is in line to hire a minority general manager to take the post next.