The latest Chicago Bulls news for May 17, including a list of prospects the Bulls are officially interested in ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft and some rumors of a potential Jonathan Kuminga acquisition this offseason.
Bulls front office expresses reported interest 6 NBA draft prospects
Chicago was one ping-pong ball bounce away from landing the No. 1 pick and avoiding the summer scouting process altogether, but alas, VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas will have to dig deep and do his due diligence on several prospects as he's left with the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft instead.
The information gathering kicked off at the combine in the Bulls' backyard when the front office began interviews that will include Georgia forward/center Asa Newell, South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles, Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, Connecticut wing Liam McNeeley, Georgetown center Thomas Sorber and Texas guard Tre Johnson, according to a list compiled by Bleacher Nation.
Newell is an athletic big man who could help Chicago's woeful interior defense. He had a standout freshman season in the SEC, the best conference in college basketball last year. Murray-Boyles may be the best defensive player in the draft and could form an interesting partnership with last year's lottery pick, Matas Buzelis.
Richardson is the son of former NBA star Jason Richardson. The younger Richardson came on at the end of last year for the Spartans, showing some shot-making and playmaking ability focused on a high-IQ and feel.
McNeeley had a somewhat disappointing freshman season with the Huskies based on his standing as one of the country's top recruits in the class of 2024, but he holds potential as a dead-eye three-point shooter with high-level playmaking ability. Sorber is a throwback center who does most of his offensive damage in the post for now, but he's rising up draft boards after his measurements at the combine.
Johnson would be an intriguing, if redundant player, if he falls and the Bulls snatch him up on draft night. He could end up as the best shooter in the class and can knock down shots from deep off the catch, off curls, in spot-up situations or off the bounce. Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu are both free agents after next season.
Bulls reportedly interested in Warriors' forward Jonathan Kuminga
Chicago would make sense as a potential landing spot for Kuminga if it decides to move on from Josh Giddey this offseason. Kuminga is the same age as Giddey but a much better fit for the Bulls' current roster as a big, strong, athletic wing.
ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel lists Chicago as one of three parties interested in Kuminga, along with the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat.
Brooklyn is perhaps the only team that could steal Giddey away from the Bulls. If that happens, Kuminga should be an easy pivot for Karnisovas and the front office.