In a jaw-dropping mock draft twist that could send NBA fans into a frenzy, the Chicago Bulls find themselves in what’s being dubbed a “can’t lose” scenario—snagging one of the most explosive young prospects in college basketball: Ace Bailey. And if that wasn’t enough to stir excitement, the Bulls also appear to be circling Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors as a potential blockbuster addition. Buckle up, Bulls Nation—this rebuild could take a turbo-charged leap.
Holding the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Bulls are in a precarious yet potentially golden position. The rebuilding franchise faces the classic dilemma: choose the best talent available or draft for immediate fit. But The Athletic’s Zach Harper recently flipped the narrative with a stunning projection that has Rutgers star Ace Bailey unexpectedly slipping down the lottery into Chicago’s lap. The reason? A surprise measurement that’s raised some eyebrows.
“There are some draft nights in which a player falls for odd reasons, and it invites some very intriguing chaos,” Harper wrote, referencing past shockers like Cam Whitmore’s plummet in 2023. “I’m wondering if Bailey measuring at 6-7 1/2 without shoes after everybody thought he was 6-10 at Rutgers is going to impact his draft stock. It very well could.”
It’s a minor detail on paper, but Harper argues that the measurement might alter how front offices perceive Bailey. Once projected as a 6’10” forward, he’s now viewed more as a wing—something that could dramatically shift his draft outlook. Teams like the Sixers, Hornets, or Wizards might question the fit, especially if they’re gunning for players with immediate, win-now potential. That uncertainty could be Chicago’s opportunity.
Should Bailey fall, he would immediately slot into Billy Donovan’s rotation. With his raw athleticism and potential star upside, pairing Bailey with Josh Giddey and Coby White could signal a dynamic new era at the United Center. The Bulls have been reportedly eyeing wing depth for weeks, fueling several trade rumors involving Jonathan Kuminga. Now, with Bailey potentially dropping into their lap, Chicago could end up getting their future cornerstone without lifting a finger.
But what if Bailey doesn’t fall?
According to Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, the Bulls might already have a contingency plan: swinging big for Jonathan Kuminga. “Base-year compensation rules make a sign-and-trade involving a restricted free agent like Jonathan Kuminga ambitious,” Hughes explained. “The logistics…are prohibitive… At the very least, Kuminga’s elite athleticism, self-creation and free-throw-drawing prowess could balance out some of Giddey’s deficiencies.”
With Chicago reportedly unwilling to undergo a full teardown, Kuminga offers the kind of young upside that aligns with their current timeline. And the signs from the Bay Area suggest Kuminga’s future with the Warriors may be in question.
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr himself threw fuel on the speculation fire when he appeared on “The TK Show” podcast, openly admitting that Kuminga isn’t guaranteed a major role in the Warriors’ rotation.
“All I do is I coach the team every year and try to put the puzzle together the best I can,” Kerr said candidly. “It’s a tricky one because Jonathan obviously is gifted and wants to play a bigger role and wants to play more… Right now, he’s not a guy who I can say that I’m going to play 38 minutes with the roster that we have.”
Kerr didn’t question Kuminga’s talent—just the fit. “Doesn’t mean he’s not a really good player. Doesn’t mean he’s not talented,” he added. “But the game is about puzzle fitting. It’s about five guys complementing one another at both ends of the floor.”
That’s music to Chicago’s ears. The Bulls, unlike Golden State, could offer Kuminga the expanded role he craves. While prying him from the Warriors may be a challenge, especially if they intend to re-sign him and trade him later at peak value, the door is clearly open.
Whether it’s Bailey falling into their lap or a bold move for Kuminga, the Bulls are poised to make waves this offseason. One thing’s for sure: the Windy City may soon have its next superstar wing.
