3 NBA Draft scenarios that could define the Bulls' future
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Matas Buzelis #14 talks to Josh Giddey #3 and Coby White #0 during a Bulls game in April. Photo: Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA is wasting no time starting the clock on the next season now that the Finals are over.
The big picture: The Bulls have the 12th overall pick in the NBA Draft on Wednesday, which is not ideal for the middling franchise that hasn't won a playoff series in 10 years.
State of play: Even with last season's mediocre play, being quickly eliminated in the play-in tournament, the team finished first in the league for average attendance at the United Center, with over 20,000 tickets sold per game.
Yes, but: Their television ratings tanked thanks in part to not being aired on Comcast.
What they're saying: "There are excellent players found every year right around pick 10 in the draft," The Score's Matt Spiegel tells Axios.
- "This just-extended Bulls braintrust should be able to scout and draft well by now. Hope for a future star."
The intrigue: The Bulls have stood pat and tried to build the team through drafting players and making shrewd free agent moves, but fans are getting restless watching other teams make blockbuster trades to shake up their rosters.
- Suns superstar Kevin Durant was just traded to the Rockets.
- The Bulls may not be turning heads with roster deals, but they just announced they have extended the contract of their front office and are working on an extension for head coach Billy Donovan.
Is it time to shake things up? Here are three potential scenarios that could play out on draft night, depending on your risk aversion.
High risk/high reward: Go all in for Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rumors say he could be on the outs in Milwaukee. Trading for the superstar could bring a championship pedigree, but could also send several current players and draft picks 90 miles north.
- There are also rumors that the Bulls could be interested in Warriors guard Jonathan Kuminga, who has fallen out of Steve Kerr's favor in Golden State.
Moderate risk: Trade up in this draft. Beyond the sure-fire No. 1 pick in Cooper Flagg, the rest of the draft is murky. One potential superstar is Rutgers' Ace Bailey, who has skipped pre-draft workouts with some of the top teams in the draft.
- The Bulls could trade future picks and have already reportedly made Lonzo Ball available for a possible trade.
Safe bet: Stay put at No. 12, which could net serviceable young players like center Derik Queen (Maryland), forward Asa Newell (Georgia) or guard Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois).
The bottom line: The Bulls have built a team that hovers around the playoffs but isn't good enough to make it. The hope is that this draft could help change their fortunes for 2025 and beyond.