Ace Bailey’s Draft Stock Could Benefit the Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are preparing for the 2025 NBA Draft with the 12th overall pick. As they continue to reshape their roster, the franchise faces a key decision: select the most talented player available or focus on someone who complements their current system.
A recent mock draft by Zach Harper of The Athletic suggests that Chicago may be in an unexpectedly favorable position. Harper predicts that Ace Bailey—a top-tier prospect once projected as a top-10 pick—could slide in the draft and land in the Bulls’ lap. This potential drop is reportedly linked to Bailey’s true height measurements. Previously believed to be 6-foot-10 during his time at Rutgers, Bailey was officially measured at just under 6-foot-8 without shoes, leading some teams to reconsider his role and long-term potential.
Harper drew a parallel to the 2023 NBA Draft, where Cam Whitmore unexpectedly fell to 20th overall, citing how minor details can sometimes cause major shakeups on draft night. Bailey, now projected more as a wing than a big forward, might not fit the immediate needs of teams like the 76ers, Hornets, or Wizards—possibly allowing him to drop further than expected.
Should Bailey be available at No. 12, he would likely step into a significant role in head coach Billy Donovan’s lineup. The Bulls are clearly in search of wing talent, as evidenced by ongoing speculation around trade targets like Jonathan Kuminga. Bailey’s raw skill set, combined with his long-term star potential, would be a strong complement to Chicago’s current core, particularly guards Josh Giddey and Coby White.
Jonathan Kuminga: A Trade Target If Bailey Is Off the Board
If Bailey is selected before the Bulls are on the clock, the front office may pivot toward a trade strategy focused on adding a young, high-upside wing player. One name that continues to emerge is Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.
According to Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report, acquiring Kuminga would be an aggressive move—complicated by salary cap restrictions. Because of base-year compensation rules, a sign-and-trade deal would be difficult to execute. Kuminga’s new salary would count fully as an incoming asset, while only 50% of his outgoing value would be recognized in the transaction, making the trade math challenging for Chicago.
Still, Hughes emphasized that Kuminga’s skill set—highlighted by elite athleticism, shot creation, and his ability to draw fouls—could help offset some of the Bulls’ existing weaknesses, especially in the areas where Giddey lacks impact. Since the Bulls appear committed to staying competitive rather than rebuilding, focusing on players in their early 20s like Kuminga offers both immediate help and future promise.
Though Kuminga has struggled to carve out a consistent role in Steve Kerr’s rotation with the Warriors, that uncertainty may actually benefit a team like the Bulls. If Golden State is willing to deal him for the right return, Chicago could find a valuable piece to build around.
