With just over a month remaining until the 2025 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls are actively evaluating their options to strengthen their roster for the future. The organization, fresh off a promising rookie year from Matas Buzelis, is considering a strategic move up the draft board to land a top-tier prospect.
Last year, the Bulls selected Buzelis, who, despite a rocky start, finished the season strong. He posted averages of 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.9 blocks, and 1.2 three-pointers per game—numbers that earned him votes for Rookie of the Year and a place on the All-Rookie Second Team. Encouraged by his development, the Bulls’ front office is now eyeing complementary talent to pair with Buzelis, particularly at the forward position.
Chicago has already conducted interviews with several of the most promising forwards in the draft, including Collin Murray-Boyles of South Carolina and Asa Newell of Georgia. Still, sitting at No. 12 in the draft order, the Bulls may be too far down the board to land a transformative talent—unless they make a move.
A potential path forward has emerged thanks to the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the third overall pick and are reportedly open to trade offers. As reported by Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, the Sixers are willing to entertain proposals for the No. 3 selection. After improving their lottery position by two spots, Philadelphia holds a highly valuable asset—especially with the top two picks virtually locked in: Duke’s Cooper Flagg is expected to go first overall to the Dallas Mavericks, followed by Rutgers’ Dylan Harper to the San Antonio Spurs.
The third pick, however, is surrounded by uncertainty. While Harper’s college teammate Ace Bailey had long been considered the third-best prospect, his disappointing showing at the NBA Combine has raised doubts. In response, Baylor standout V.J. Edgecombe is now being discussed as a strong alternative, with NBA.com analyst Jonathan Wasserman even projecting him to Philadelphia in a recent mock draft.
This ambiguity over who deserves to be picked third, coupled with the Sixers’ veteran-heavy roster, makes a trade more conceivable. Chicago, holding the No. 12 pick and several valuable trade pieces, is well-positioned to make a compelling offer. A potential trade package could include the 12th pick, young guard Coby White, and additional draft compensation to entice Philadelphia into a deal.
Another route might involve the Bulls absorbing the hefty contract of aging star Paul George. Signed by the Sixers to a four-year, $211 million deal last offseason, George is coming off an injury-shortened year in which he played only 41 games, averaging 16.2 points per game on diminished shooting percentages. With $162 million remaining on his contract and concerns about his durability, Philadelphia might be motivated to move off the deal.
In that scenario, Chicago could offer a combination of Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, and Patrick Williams—along with the 12th pick—in exchange for George and the third pick. While George’s contract is burdensome, the Sixers would receive two useful role players on expiring deals, as well as Williams, who is younger and locked into a less costly contract ($72 million over four years). The trade would help the Sixers get younger and more flexible financially.
For the Bulls, such a move would be a significant gamble but one with potentially high rewards. Securing the third overall pick could allow them to draft a game-changing prospect and accelerate their rebuild. While staying at No. 12 and drafting someone like Murray-Boyles, Newell, or even rising big man Thomas Sorber is a safer option, targeting a player like Duke’s Khaman Maluach—projected to go in the 5–10 range—might offer greater long-term upside.
Ultimately, the Bulls have several avenues to reshape their roster, but the onus is on their front office to decide whether to play it safe or swing for the fences.
