The Chicago Bulls are at a pivotal moment in their rebuild, and their approach to the 2025 NBA Draft could signal a bold new direction for the franchise. With the 12th overall pick in hand, the Bulls are reportedly eyeing a high-upside forward who could reshape their roster in ways few saw coming. According to a recent mock draft by Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, the Bulls are projected to select South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles, a versatile and physically imposing forward whose unique skill set has analysts buzzing with excitement. This move, described by some as “crazy” for its audacity, suggests Chicago is quietly laying the groundwork for a roster overhaul that prioritizes athleticism, versatility, and long-term potential over immediate results.
A New Direction for the Bulls
The Bulls, under the leadership of Arturas Karnisovas and head coach Billy Donovan, have been navigating a delicate balance between staying competitive and building for the future. After trading away veterans like Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso, and DeMar DeRozan over the past 18 months, Chicago has fully committed to a youth-driven rebuild. The selection of Matas Buzelis in the 2024 draft was a clear signal of their intent to invest in high-ceiling talent, and now, the potential addition of Murray-Boyles could take this strategy to another level.
Wasserman describes Murray-Boyles as a player who “is built different,” combining a wing’s height with a big man’s bulk and a 7’1” wingspan. His ability to dominate around the basket with physicality, paired with a developing mid-range game, makes him a tantalizing prospect. While his three-point shooting needs refinement, his comfort in the mid-range and quick, decisive face-up game suggest he could unlock significant scoring potential in the NBA. For a Bulls team looking to add dynamic frontcourt pieces, Murray-Boyles represents a gamble on a player who could become a cornerstone alongside Buzelis, Josh Giddey, and Coby White.
Why This Pick Feels “Crazy”
What makes this selection surprising is the Bulls’ willingness to double down on young, unproven forwards while veteran Nikola Vucevic remains on the roster. Many expected Chicago to prioritize a long-term replacement for Vucevic, with mock drafts linking them to big men like Michigan’s Danny Wolf or Maryland’s Derik Queen. Instead, choosing Murray-Boyles suggests the Bulls are prioritizing versatility and athleticism over traditional positional needs. His 7’1” wingspan and ability to attack in space could complement Buzelis’ length and playmaking, creating a frontcourt duo capable of switching defensively and thriving in transition.
This move also hints at a broader strategy shift. The Bulls are reportedly modeling their rebuild after the Indiana Pacers, focusing on players who fit a fast-paced, free-flowing system. Murray-Boyles’ physical tools and ability to score in multiple ways align with this vision, but his rawness—particularly his inconsistent three-point shooting—makes this a high-risk, high-reward pick. As one NBA scout noted, players like Murray-Boyles have “tools you can’t teach,” but his ability to handle NBA-level physicality and refine his perimeter game remains a question mark.
The Bigger Picture
The Bulls’ “crazy” plan doesn’t stop at the draft. Reports indicate they are open to moving veterans like Vucevic and Lonzo Ball to acquire younger assets or additional draft capital. A proposed trade by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey suggested flipping Vucevic and Ball to the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga, a high-potential forward who could further bolster Chicago’s youth movement. Such a deal would align with their apparent goal of building a roster around Giddey, White, Buzelis, and a new draft pick like Murray-Boyles.
This approach is unexpected because the Bulls have historically avoided full-scale rebuilds, often opting to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference. However, their 39-43 record in the 2024-25 season and third consecutive play-in tournament appearance have forced a reckoning. Karnisovas has publicly asked for patience from fans, emphasizing a long-term vision that prioritizes sustainable growth over short-term wins. Selecting a player like Murray-Boyles, who may not contribute immediately but has star potential, underscores this shift.
What’s Next for Chicago?
If the Bulls follow through with this draft strategy, they’ll be betting on their ability to develop raw talent into stars. Murray-Boyles, at just 19 years old, would have time to grow alongside Chicago’s young core. His athleticism and defensive potential could make him a fan favorite, especially if he thrives in Donovan’s system. However, the front office will need to make tough decisions about their veteran players and how to maximize their trade value to accelerate the rebuild.
The 2025 offseason will be critical for Chicago. Retaining Giddey, who is a free agent, is a top priority, and any draft pick must complement his playmaking ability. Murray-Boyles’ ability to run the floor and finish above the rim could make him an ideal lob target for Giddey, creating exciting transition opportunities. Meanwhile, the Bulls’ front office will likely explore the trade market to clear cap space and acquire additional assets, ensuring they have the flexibility to build around their young core.
A Bold Bet on the Future
The Bulls’ projected selection of Collin Murray-Boyles in the 2025 NBA Draft is a statement of intent. By targeting a versatile, high-upside forward over a more traditional big man, Chicago is quietly defying expectations and embracing a bold, unconventional rebuild. This “crazy” plan may not pay off immediately, but it signals a commitment to building a roster that’s young, dynamic, and capable of competing in the modern NBA. For Bulls fans, it’s a reason to stay patient—and a sign that something exciting is brewing in the Windy City.