The Chicago Bulls thoroughly overhauled their roster during the NBA Draft week ending June 2026.
Under new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham, the team secured premier first-round talent while executing controversial second-round asset trades.
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Chicago started strong by selecting power forward Caleb Wilson from North Carolina with the No. 4 overall pick.
The team also added forward Dailyn Swain at No. 15.
The front office finalized a three-team trade to acquire center Nicolas Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets.
Chicago sent only reserve forward Mouhamadou Gueye to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the deal.
Second-Round Trades Draw Scrutiny
Graham faced scrutiny after trading away both of the team's second-round selections.
The Bulls dealt the No. 38 pick to the Indiana Pacers for guard Kam Jones and future pick swaps.
They traded the No. 56 pick to the Los Angeles Lakers strictly for cash considerations.
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Local outlets analyzed the logic behind keeping roster spots flexible as the team moves into free agency.
Bleacher Nation noted, "Yesterday, that logic felt a little harder to buy because they had just acquired Jones.
Today, it makes a lot more sense if he isn’t part of the long-term plan."
Media coverage highlighted the ongoing roster transformations necessary for the new front office leader to establish his vision.
Bulls on SI said, "Refreshing Explanation… There is more work to be done for Graham to make this roster his own, and he needs the flexibility to do that adequately."
To complement the athletic additions of Wilson and Swain, Chicago immediately signed undrafted free agent perimeter shooters Houston Mallette, Jaylin Sellers, and Donovan Atwell.
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The team also added rebounding specialist Tobe Awaka.
