As the NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on which teams will make bold moves in the first round. While the Chicago Bulls have been relatively quiet over the past few seasons, they might be ready to break their silence this year.
With a fresh youth movement underway and several key contracts expiring after the 2025–26 season, the Bulls have an opportunity to reshape their future through strategic draft-night trades.
Here are three teams that could be calling Arturas Karnisovas’ phone on June 25th.
Oklahoma City Thunder: A Young Roster Looking for One More Piece
The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the youngest and deepest teams in the league — so much so that adding more rookies might not make sense right now.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line , the Thunder are among the teams looking to move up in the 2025 NBA Draft. Their current picks at Nos. 15 and 24 could be used to trade up into the lottery, possibly targeting the Bulls at No. 12.
A deal involving OKC’s two late-lottery picks (No. 15 + No. 24) for Chicago’s No. 12 would give both sides something valuable: The Bulls add depth, while the Thunder gain flexibility without sacrificing too much.
For the Bulls, moving down just a few spots could still land them a high-value prospect while picking up an extra first-rounder. That’s a win-win unless they’re locked in on a specific player at No. 12.
Brooklyn Nets: Rebuilding with Picks and Possibilities
The Brooklyn Nets enter the 2025 Draft with four first-round selections, including the No. 19 pick. As a team in full rebuild mode, they’re reportedly eager to climb into the Top 10.
One reported idea is offering Cameron Johnson along with the No. 19 pick to move up. But since the Bulls aren’t in the top 10 themselves, they wouldn’t be a direct target — unless things shift as the draft approaches.
Still, if the Nets start to believe their desired player is available later than expected, the Bulls could become a trade partner. Johnson fits the modern NBA wing role perfectly — a 6’8″ shooter with playmaking ability — and could slide right into Chicago’s young core alongside Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.
If the Nets are open to taking back a contract, Patrick Williams ($18M AAV) might be part of the conversation. It’s unlikely the Bulls rush to move him, but it’s worth exploring if the return makes sense.
Orlando Magic: Anothe3.r Shot at a Win-now Move?
The Orlando Magic are in a similar position to the Thunder — loaded with young talent and trying to stay competitive. They hold the No. 16 and No. 25 picks, both of which could be used to move up or add depth.
While trading down from No. 12 might seem less appealing than staying put, grabbing an extra pick like No. 25 could help the Bulls stockpile assets for future drafts.
Orlando could also be interested in Coby White, who’s set to hit free agency in 2026. Offering both of their first-rounders for White would give the Bulls short-term flexibility and long-term value — especially if they don’t see White as a long-term fit.
But again, any decision should wait until draft night. Sometimes, the best move is simply drafting the best player available.
Bulls Have Options — But Will They Act?
The Chicago Bulls haven’t made many big moves in recent years, but that doesn’t mean they won’t change course tonight.
With a growing young core and multiple avenues to improve via trade, the Bulls have every reason to explore deals on draft night. Whether it’s swapping picks with the Thunder, adding a proven role player from the Nets, or flipping Coby White for future assets with the Magic, there’s no shortage of possibilities.