As the 2026 NBA Draft creeps closer and closer, there's almost no team with more room for intrigue than the Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls not only were one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Draft Lottery, bumping all the way up from ninth to fourth overall, but they're also in possession of the Portland Trail Blazers' first-round pick at 15th overall. This gives them an enviable optionality as they attempt to accelerate their freshly-initiated rebuild.
Their best route is to take whoever is available at fourth overall and then seek out a guard at 15th to augment their backcourt alongside Josh Giddey. But until these selections are actually made, rumors about potential trade-up or trade-back scenarios will run rampant.
NBA Insider Jake Fischer reported on Thursday that teams across the NBA will encounter difficulties attempting to trade up into the top-six. In a Draft chock-full of talent, this development makes perfect sense.
"It's not just Milwaukee. Trading up into the top four of the draft — or even the top six — looks like it will be challenging for any team hoping to do so. Most teams picking behind the Clippers are currently operating under the assumption that LA will stand pat and keep their No. 5 overall selection... If the Nets decide that they prefer to keep the No. 6 overall selection — as they are indicating at this juncture — that could mean that Dallas at No. 9 proves to be the highest-slotted team willing to move down." Jake Fischer via The Stein Line
While the Bulls' best move is likely not to move down in the Draft, the lack of teams willing to entertain that move could help yield the Bulls an enormous package for the fourth overall pick. At the very least, it's a tempting proposition.
The Bulls could be one of the only teams looking to move down in the 2026 NBA Draft
In a draft with a clearly defined top-four, moving out of the fourth overall pick would be a significant drop. But it's not as though the late lottery is without immense talent. Players like Yaxel Lendeborg, Brayden Burries, and Nate Ament should be available in the range of 7th-12th overall.
According to Fischer, no team has expressed significant interest in moving down in the Draft. The Clippers, who lucked into their pick through the Lottery after the Ivica Zubac trade, will likely want to add a premier guard. The Brooklyn Nets are also looking to hold onto their pick at this time.
For their part, the Bulls have indicated very little interest in moving off of their pick, outside of various rumblings centering around a move up to first or second overall. But that doesn't mean there aren't teams below them that could put up enticing bids.
The Thunder have the 12th and 17th overall selections in this Draft, but they also have a treasure trove of draft capital at their disposal between now and 2032. An even more intriguing partner, however, could be the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks currently hold the 10th overall pick in the Draft, and they've indicated they're expecting to have an additional first-round pick when the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade is ultimately completed.
If either of these organizations is truly looking to make a splash prior to the NBA Draft, the Bulls would likely be one of their first calls. Of course, Chicago isn't in prime position to get a shot at a prospect like AJ Dybantsa. Any trade would likely take place after the first three picks unfold, as such a splash move would require an organization to be absolutely enamored with whatever prospect is available at fourth overall.
But if an enticing package is put together between now and then, it's a move the Bulls should at least consider.
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