As the NBA continues to roll along, entering perhaps the most entertaining stretch of the season leading up to the All-Star break, the NCAA remains a constant presence in the headlines, and not always for the right reasons. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules and the transfer portal have dramatically reshaped the collegiate landscape. And now, things are getting even wilder.
First, 2023 31st overall pick James Nnaji set an unexpected precedent by moving from the professional ranks in Europe to America’s collegiate level, joining the Baylor Bears midseason in a decision that drew significant scrutiny from fans. However, Nnaji’s arrival may not be the most controversial part of the move; it’s that the NCAA granted the 21-year-old four full years of collegiate eligibility.
From NBA to NCAA? Bulls’ Flowers faces an unprecedented choice
Baylor’s controversial move appears to have opened Pandora’s Box. In the absence of clear NCAA guidelines, another surprising name has now been linked to the collegiate ranks: Chicago Bulls two-way signee Trentyn Flowers.
Chicago Bulls two-way player Trentyn Flowers is drawing interest from many college programs, a source told @On3sports.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) December 28, 2025
The 6-foot-8 wing was a top-25 recruit in the 2023 class who initially committed to Louisville before opting for a pro career.
Story: https://t.co/or7wmRissv pic.twitter.com/Yo9sSqe1dL
Like Nnaji, Flowers never played in the NCAA, instead spending a season with the Adelaide 36ers before entering the NBA Draft. Unlike Nnaji, however, Flowers went undrafted in 2024. Despite that, he does have NBA experience, having appeared in six games for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024–25 season and totaling 11 points in 27 minutes of action.
Following his lone season in Los Angeles, the Clippers waived Flowers, and he signed a two-way deal with the Bulls days later. To this point, he has appeared in two games for Chicago and 14 for the Bulls’ G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. While Flowers has scored just four points at the NBA level this season, he is averaging 12.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists for Windy City.
As of December 28, the NCAA has yet to rule on whether Flowers would be eligible to compete at the collegiate level. Meanwhile, there has been no concrete indication of whether Flowers would consider stepping away from the NBA to suit up for an NCAA program.
The financial stakes are considerable if Flowers opts to forego the NBA. His two-way deal guarantees only $83,000 of a $636,435 salary. In contrast, NIL opportunities have grown immensely. Projected top-three pick AJ Dybantsa’s potential earnings are estimated at $4.4 million. Though Flowers wouldn’t approach that figure, a payout exceeding $1.5 million is plausible.
Just a decade ago, the NCAA strictly regulated transfers, but the landscape has changed dramatically. Now, a player with NBA experience could theoretically join a program like USC or NC State. The unthinkable may soon happen—and it could involve a Bulls two-way signee, forcing Chicago to fill the roster spot if Flowers were to bolt for the collegiate ranks.(Please don't follow Lachlan Olbrich.)