The Chicago Bulls are trying to acquire another top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft because they want Keaton Wagler.
That's according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, who claims Chicago is specifically interested in selecting the Illinois guard if they can trade the No. 15 pick in a package to move up into the 7-to-10 range, as has previously been reported.
The Bulls are expected to draft North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson fourth overall, but a lot is still up in the air, including what Chicago's new executive VP of basketball operations, Bryson Graham, has planned for his second first-round selection.
Staying at 15 and grabbing a high-upside rookie in a deep class is a solid option. Pairing Nos. 4 and 15 and trying to leap into the top three may be a worthwhile gamble.
But Graham and his front office apparently have eyes for Wagler, and that's a good option too.
Bulls interested in trading up for Keaton Wagler in 2026 NBA Draft
Siegel was transparent about the Bulls-Wagler links in his June 10 story that touched on Chicago's draft plans and head coaching search. He wrote, in part:
"If the Bulls were to trade up into the top 10, multiple personnel have stated that they believe such a move would be made for Illinois guard Keaton Wagler. Although a lot of uncertainty exists with how the top 10 of the draft will shape up, Wagler is being mentioned as high as fifth to the LA Clippers and as low as ninth to the Dallas Mavericks, signifying that he is essentially a lock to be a top-10 pick."Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints
So if Chicago is truly interested in Wagler — which, frankly, it should be — acquiring a top-10 pick may be the only way to get him.
If Wagler begins to slide, expect Graham to make some calls.
Keaton Wagler would be an ideal fit for Chicago's backcourt
The Bulls have money to spend, draft picks to use and several free agent decisions to make. The only players "guaranteed" to start the 2026-27 season on the roster are Josh Giddey, Noa Essengue and Matas Buzelis. Guaranteed in quotes, because no one is truly safe.
But Giddey's long-term future in Chicago has been in doubt since Graham took over.
The Aussie floor general is only 23 and coming off the most consistent scoring season of his career. His $25 million per-year salary is a relative bargain compared to what other starting NBA point guards make.
And Giddey is the ideal engine to run a transition-heavy offense, if that's what Chicago's next coach decides to continue employing.
But Wagler is a superior shooter, a better creator, a more electric scorer and he has a considerably higher upside. He also has the potential to be an at least passable defender, which Giddey is not and probably never will be.
Coming away with Wilson and Wagler would give Graham two promising cornerstones to build his new roster around.
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