While most of the chatter in Chicago surrounds the Bulls' two top-15 picks, the value of the 38th selection shouldn't be overlooked. In fact, it may be increasing in value as teams look to maneuver around the late first and early second round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Several teams are looking to either trade up at the end of day one — the Bulls should arguably be one of them — while others are hoping to move back into the second round, or in or out of the draft altogether, according to insider Jake Fischer via The Stein Line (subscription required).
Owning a premier second-round pick means Chicago will have assorted options, no matter which direction it wants to take.
Expect movement in the late first and early second round of the 2026 NBA Draft
The Minnesota Timberwolves (pick No. 28), Boston Celtics (27) and Denver Nuggets (26) are all interested in moving up from their respective draft positions, according to Fischer. The long-time scribe also mentions that the New Orleans Pelicans, who have only the No. 56 pick at their disposal, hope to trade into the first round.
On the flip side, the New York Knicks are looking to deal one of their two selections, No. 24 and No. 31.
The Indiana Pacers are hoping to acquire a pick somewhere in the 30s, per Fischer.
The Bulls will have options at No. 38
If Chicago has eyes for a specific prospect or two late in the first round, it might have to leapfrog Minnesota, Boston and Denver. The 38th pick would be valuable ammo in such a scenario.
If the Pelicans can't find a dance partner in their quest to acquire a first-rounder, they could be interested in No. 38.
New Orleans head of basketball operations Joe Dumars made a desperate overpay to move up in last year's draft; maybe Bulls executive VP of basketball operations Bryson Graham can coerce him into doing it again.
If the Knicks want to get rid of one of their picks, Chicago could oblige and use No. 38 as a bargaining chip.
Fischer's note on the Pacers is especially interesting — if Indiana wants a pick in the 30s specifically, well, the Bulls have one of those. The Pacers could be willing to overpay, too, given that they tanked for a top-four pick that ultimately landed at No. 5 and went to the Clippers.
Indiana now has zero selections in this year's draft.
Suddenly, a pick that was already low-key valuable is about to become an even hotter commodity as draft night approaches and teams jockey for position.
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