The Chicago Bulls aren’t going anywhere anytime soon if they keep doing what they’ve been doing — spinning their wheels without a real plan.
Let’s be honest: the Bulls have hovered around .500 for the last few seasons. Not good enough to make noise in the East, not bad enough to get a top pick. It’s that dreaded zone: mediocrity. And honestly? That’s worse than just being bad.
So maybe it’s time to take a step back. Not to tank, but to reset. And keeping that lottery pick might just be the best way to do it.
The Bulls Have Some Building Blocks — But Not Enough
Look, there are some legit pieces here.
Josh Giddey was a sneaky-good addition — his playmaking fits well in Billy Donovan’s system. Matas Buzelis has looked like more than just a project; he’s already showing flashes of being special. Coby White still brings that spark off the bench, Patrick Williams gives you grit and defense, and Ayo Dosunmo? Dude just gets it .
But none of that adds up to a championship roster. Not yet.
There’s potential, sure — but potential doesn’t win playoff series.
Vucevic’s Expiring Deal Is a Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card
Right now, Nikola Vucevic is the de facto anchor of this team — on the floor and on the books.
He’s owed $21.4 million next season, the final year of his deal. That’s a chunk of change tied up in a guy who hasn’t moved the needle much since arriving in Chicago.
But here’s the thing: that expiring contract is actually valuable. Teams love players with one year left on their deals, especially ones who can space the floor and rebound.
So why not shop him?
Even if the Bulls have to throw in a future second-rounder or a minor asset to get a return, it’s worth it. Getting rid of that salary opens up cap flexibility and clears room for younger talent — and possibly a new big man via the draft.
Why the 2025 Draft Could Be Key for the Bulls
With Vucevic potentially gone, the Bulls could look to plug in a young center through the draft.
And guess what? There are options.
If things break right, Maryland’s Derik Queen could fall all the way to No. 12. That would be a steal. The kid can pass like a guard from the post, score inside and out, and shows more defensive upside than people give him credit for.
Then there’s Asa Newell from Georgia. Dude averaged 19 points per game and showed high-level defensive instincts. He’s raw, sure — but he’s got the tools to grow into a two-way monster.
Either player could be a foundational piece moving forward.
Taking a Step Back to Take Two Forward
This isn’t about giving up on the season — it’s about planning for the future.
The Bulls need to stop trying to be “good enough” every year. That only leads to missing the playoffs by five games and never getting better.
Instead, they should embrace some short-term pain. Clear out dead weight contracts, free up cap space, keep that lottery pick, and build around young talent.
Because eventually, you have to choose: rebuild or reload.
And right now, the Bulls haven’t made that choice.
But keeping that pick? That’s a sign they’re finally ready to start thinking long-term.