Bulls acquire – Even before the NBA draft arrives, the Bulls have moved to fill a vacancy in the middle by acquiring center Nic Claxton in a three-way deal. The move hinges on salary cap timing, changes what Chicago can do at No. 15, and ties directly to the Bulls’ larger off
The Bulls started work before draft night, and this one landed early—center Nic Claxton is headed to Chicago in a three-way deal that begins reshaping the franchise’s offseason plans.
The deal follows the expectation that Zach Collins and Nick Richards would be heading into free agency. leaving a vacancy in the middle. Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham didn’t wait for the draft to address it. A team source confirmed that the Bulls struck a three-way agreement that results in the acquisition of Claxton.
Chicago’s front office isn’t doing this in isolation. The framework of the deal also gives the Nets a way to move some salary off the books. while it brings in All-Star Julius Randle and pick No. 28 in Tuesday’s NBA Draft from Minnesota. At the same time, the Timberwolves can continue their pursuit of free agent Ayo Dosunmu.
For the Bulls, it’s an immediate, practical upgrade: Claxton is a veteran big who provides rim protection and comes with two years left on his current deal. Claxton was scheduled to make $23 million next season and $21 million in the 2027-28 season.
There’s still a timing catch. Because the Bulls are using cap space to acquire Claxton, the deal can’t become finalized until July 6. Even so, the uncertainty around timing doesn’t stop the consequences from showing up right away. It could change Chicago’s approach in the draft, especially at pick No. 15.
The Bulls could have tried to grab one of the few bigs projected in that spot. but with Claxton now in the picture. their draft calculus likely shifts. One scenario the Bulls are said to consider centers on selecting Caleb Wilson at No. 4—if they do, guard could become a priority at No. 15 if the board falls the right way.
Chicago Bulls Nic Claxton NBA Draft Bryson Graham Julius Randle Ayo Dosunmu Zach Collins Nick Richards Timberwolves Nets Caleb Wilson
Wait so they traded for Claxton but can’t finalize till July 6? That sounds like forever in NBA time lol.
Randle AND pick 28?? Bulls really just collecting people like it’s nothing. I hope this fixes their defense but knowing Chicago they’ll still forget how to play middle school basketball.
I think this is mostly a salary cap thing with the Nets, right? Like they moved money around and Chicago just happened to get a center. Also Julius Randle going to the Bulls feels backwards to me, didn’t he just get hurt or something?
So they acquire Nic Claxton before the draft and now they might draft Caleb Wilson at No. 4? But the article says guard could be priority at No. 15, which means they’re not really sure what they want?? This is why I don’t trust mock drafts, it’s all vibes and cap math.