The Chicago Bulls may not be done rebuilding, but they’re assembling one of the NBA’s most interesting young cores. After landing Nic Claxton in a blockbuster trade and adding prospects Caleb Wilson (drafted No. 4 overall) and Dailyn Swain in the 2026 NBA Draft, Chicago’s future suddenly looks much brighter.
More importantly, the Bulls are building around the modern NBA way: size, athleticism, and switchability.
The Bulls still have work to do this offseason, but the foundation is clear in their starting lineup.
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Josh Giddey (6’7″)
SG: Dailyn Swain (6’7″)
SF: Matas Buzelis (6’10”)
PF: Caleb Wilson (6’9″)
C: Nic Claxton (6’11”)
That’s a lineup featuring no player shorter than 6’7″. In an NBA obsessed with versatility, Chicago could have one of the biggest starting fives in the league while remaining elite athletically and on both ends.
The Bulls Could Become A Defensive Nightmare
This group’s strength starts on the defensive end. Last season, the Bulls ranked 28th in defense (allowing 121.5 PPG) and 22nd in defensive rating (118.1), so changes were necessary.
Nic Claxton is already one of the NBA’s most talented defensive centers, posting 11.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, and 1.1 BPG with a 117.8 defensive rating.
His presence immediately gives Chicago an identity they have lacked for years.
Matas Buzelis (16.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.5 BPG with 116.6 defensive rating) has the tools to become a high-level weak-side defender, while Wilson projects as the type of versatile forward who can guard multiple positions. Swain’s physicality and length should allow him to defend both wings and guards.
Even Josh Giddey (17.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 9.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG with a 116.4 defensive rating), despite his defensive limitations at times, benefits from playing behind length and rim protection.
When opponents look across the floor, they’ll see a wall of size, and that could make Chicago one of the Eastern Conference’s best defensive teams.
Caleb Wilson’s Ceiling Is Extremely High
Wilson may determine how high this rebuild goes. The 6’9″ forward has the athleticism and defensive upside that NBA teams covet.
At his best, he projects as a modern power forward capable of defending multiple positions and impacting games without needing the ball.
His offensive game remains a work in progress, but the flashes are undeniable. Wilson averaged 19.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.4 BPG on 57.8% FG, only 25.9% 3-PT FG, and 71.3% FT with UNC last season.
If Wilson develops a reliable jump shot, the Bulls could have a player who resembles the type of versatile forwards every contender searches for.
Still, Wilson has the upside to be a legitimate franchise cornerstone.
Dailyn Swain Gives Chicago Another Two-Way Piece
Swain fits perfectly with what the Bulls are trying to build. At 6’7″, he brings defensive versatility to the perimeter.
While he may not be a primary scorer, his ability to impact games through defense, transition play, and passing should earn him minutes immediately.
Swain averaged 17.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 0.3 BPG on 54.2% FG, 34.4% 3-PT FG, and 81.5% FT with Texas last season.
What makes Swain particularly interesting is how well he complements the rest of Chicago’s young core since he doesn’t need the ball constantly.
Nic Claxton Solves A Major Problem
The Bulls need a long-term answer at center after moving on from Nikola Vucevic, and Claxton gives them one.
His rim protection, mobility, and lob-finishing instantly raise Chicago’s floor. At 27 years old, he is young enough to grow with the rest of the core while having proven production, posting 11.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, and 1.1 BPG with a 117.8 defensive rating in 2025-26.
Just as importantly, Claxton allows the Bulls to have a defensive-first identity.
The days of opponents getting easy looks at the rim could soon be over.
Chicago Has Enormous Financial Flexibility
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Chicago’s rebuild is the cap sheet.
The Bulls currently project to have only about $90.5 million committed salary for 2026-27, with commitments dropping dramatically in future seasons.
2026-27: ~$90.5 million
2027-28: ~$51 million
2028-29: ~$43 million
Those numbers give Chicago some of the cleanest books in the NBA.
Even after acquiring Claxton, the Bulls remain well below the luxury tax and could still possess roughly $30 million in available cap space depending on how the rest of the offseason unfolds.
That means this rebuild is far from complete, since they can target free agents who are veterans and shooters.
What Is This Team’s Ceiling?
Realistically, this group is still several years away from championship contention since they are still in the phase of player development.
Wilson, Swain, Buzelis, and Noa Essengue all have enormous upside, but young players rarely develop into stars overnight.
In the short term, Chicago projects as a play-in or lower playoff contender, but the long-term goal is far more exciting.
If Buzelis becomes an All-Star-level wing, Wilson develops into a two-way star, and Claxton anchors a top-tier defense, Chicago could eventually field one of the most unique rosters in the NBA.
The Bulls still need more shooting and additional veteran leadership. But for the first time in years, Chicago appears to have a clear direction.
