In the hours following the 2025 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls quietly made a move that flew under the radar for most fans—but not for Missouri basketball supporters. Caleb Grill, the sharpshooting wing from Mizzou, signed an undrafted free agent (UDFA) deal with the team, as announced on social media by the Tigers’ official account.
The news broke late Thursday night, June 26, just hours after the draft floor went dark and teams scrambled to lock in top undrafted talent. For Grill, it’s a chance to prove he belongs at the next level—even if his first stop might be with the Windy City Bulls, Chicago’s G League affiliate.
From Transfer to NBA Opportunity
Grill’s journey to this point hasn’t been straightforward. Before suiting up for Missouri, he spent time at Iowa State and UNLV. Then, after transferring to Columbia in 2023, a broken wrist limited him to just five games during his first season with the Tigers.
But last season, everything changed.
Despite coming off the bench, Grill emerged as one of the nation’s best shooters, earning SEC Sixth Man of the Year honors. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down threes gave Missouri a spark every time he stepped onto the court.
Now, with his college career behind him, Grill is chasing a professional future—and the Chicago Bulls are giving him a shot.
The Bigger Picture: Missouri’s NBA Pipeline
This isn’t just a win for Grill—it’s another notch in Missouri’s growing NBA pipeline. Under coach Dennis Gates, the Tigers have become a reliable source of pro-level talent.
Grill becomes the fifth Tiger under Gates to land an NBA deal since 2023, joining the likes of Kobe Brown (first round, Clippers), D’Moi Hodge (two-way, Lakers), Sean East II (Exhibit 10, Lakers), and now Tamar Bates (two-way, Nuggets). That kind of success speaks volumes about the program’s development culture.
Why the Bulls Went for Grill
Chicago has a history of taking flyers on high-shooting wings, and Grill fits that mold perfectly. Here’s why the signing makes sense:
Pros:
Elite Shooting Ability : Grill was among the most accurate long-range threats in college basketball last season.
Growth Trajectory : After a rough start due to injury, he improved significantly over two seasons at Missouri.
Positional Versatility : As a wing, he can play both guard spots and potentially slide into small forward duties.
Proven Development : Playing under Gates and alongside strong teammates helped him grow into a more complete player.
But There Are Risks Too
Like any undrafted signing, there’s no guarantee Grill will make it past training camp or even stick with the G League squad. Here’s what could go wrong:
Cons:
Lack of Size/Defensive Questions : At the NBA level, guards need to defend multiple positions, and Grill’s frame may limit him there.
Role Player Ceiling : He thrived off the bench in college—can he transition into a bigger role?
Tough Competition : The Bulls already have young wings in their system, so standing out won’t be easy.
Injury History : Missing most of a season due to injury raises red flags for scouts.
What Comes Next?
For now, Grill will focus on making the most of his opportunity. Whether that means battling for a two-way spot, impressing in Summer League, or developing in the G League remains to be seen.
But for a guy who’s overcome transfers, injuries, and the cutthroat world of college basketball, this latest step might just be the beginning.