Bulls 2026 NBA Draft recap, free agency preview extravaganza

After crushing the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, Bryson Graham's second round was a bummer given he traded out of both picks. The first trade was selling the No. 56 pick to the Lakers for cash considerations, and then while on the clock the Bulls traded No. 38 to the Pacers for Kam Jones, future second-round pick swaps and cash. Will Jones even make the roster after a rough rookie season with the Pacers? 

While this was a disappointing outcome that continued an ugly trend from past regimes, there's no reason to overreact about Graham just yet. There's still a lot of offseason left, and Graham did take the time to speak to multiple local media outlets about his moves. Even if some of his explanations fell flat, it was good to actually hear him defend his decisions. 

With the draft now in the rearview mirror, free agency takes center stage. There has already been a lot of action on the trade front, including a wild LaMelo Ball trade that impacts two former Bulls in Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White. Dosunmu is heading back to the Wolves on a five-year, $112 million contract and will now share a backcourt with Ball and Anthony Edwards, while White is returning to the Hornets on a three-year, $74 million contract to presumably be Ball's replacement.

As for the Bulls themselves, they badly need shooting, and there's plenty of smoke billowing around Norman Powell. Is this legit interest or just an agent using them as leverage? Powell would bring much-needed shooting to the roster, but he is 33 years old, so it would have to be a short-term contract. 

Ricky and Jason look at a number of other possible targets, including a bunch of shooters (guards and bigs) and also Jalen Duren now that it looks like there's a chance he leaves the Pistons. Detroit did beat Chicago to the punch on an Isaiah Joe trade, so that's off the table. Kevin Huerter is also returning to the Pistons. 

Finally, the Bulls did add some intriguing undrafted free agents, and this year's Summer League roster should be a lot of fun. 

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