The Chicago Bulls have a pivotal offseason in front of them.
Of course, it starts with their pair of first-round selections— at 4th and 15th overall— in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. But beyond that, they're projected to be one of the most financially flexible teams in the league. As they set out on a long-term rebuild, their moves this offseason will set the trajectory of the organization.
If they want to go after young pieces whose teams are in financially vulnerable positions, such as Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons, they certainly have room to do so. But Michael Scotto at HoopsHype reported on Wednesday that the Bulls, instead, could look to take on unwanted contracts in exchange for future draft capital.
"Chicago also has significant cap space this summer. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Bulls will be looking to make a big splash in free agency. As Chicago embarks on a rebuild, the Bulls are open to absorbing contracts with their cap space in exchange for draft pick compensation, HoopsHype has learned." Michael Scotto, HoopsHype
It's not the most exciting update in the world, and it could inevitably create some uncomfortable situations in terms of roster construction. But if that's the path Chicago wants to take, they may have a perfect target in Jakob Poeltl of the Toronto Raptors.
Jakob Poeltl could help yield the Bulls an addition first-round pick as they begin their rebuild
Since the moment Poeltl signed his three-year, $84 million extension with Toronto, that contract has been an albatross wrapped around the Raptors' necks. They've been unable to swing a deal for centers like Domantas Sabonis, whom they've registered interest in, because of teams' unwillingness to take on the Poeltl contract. If Toronto wants to push the envelope on their current, playoff-worthy core, they may need to look no further than Chicago.
Chicago is in full possession of all of its first-round picks between now and 2032. But apart from the Portland Trail Blazers' selection in this year's Draft, they have no additional first-round selections in their coffers. Of the successful (or even semi-successful) rebuilds undertaken in the modern NBA, each has one thing in common— those teams amassed significant draft capital by any means necessary.
Poeltl isn't a bad player, per se. He's simply one that doesn't justify his hefty contract. Across 46 games last season, he averaged 10.7 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while shooting a highly-efficient 70% from the field. Even at 7'0", he's not a highly effective shot-blocker or defender.
But right now, the Bulls simply need a center. Their current option at the position is Jalen Smith. They could also re-sign Nick Richards or Zach Collins in free agency. None are true starting options at the five-spot, however.
Taking on Poeltl's contract wouldn't be a competitive move. It doesn't expire until the end of the 2029-30 season. But it wouldn't limit the Bulls' ability to continue to build out their roster and develop their young players. They're also projected to have $94.8 million between them and the luxury tax this offseason.
The Raptors, meanwhile, are in possession of all of their first-round picks between now and 2032. If moving off of one allows them to rid themselves of their Poeltl conundrum, this could be a serendipitous match between Toronto and the Bulls.
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