In a draft night filled with surprises, the Chicago Bulls pulled off a stunning move that sent shockwaves through the NBA. With their eyes set on revitalizing their roster, the Bulls made a bold trade to secure Asa Newell, the 6-foot-9 forward from Georgia, cementing their commitment to a dynamic rebuild.
A Strategic Trade to Land Newell
Leading up to the NBA Draft, mock drafts had projected Newell as a potential fit for Chicago, with Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman highlighting his unique skill set. Newell, compared to John Collins for his athleticism and versatility, was the only player in the country last season to record 50 dunks and 25 three-pointers. His ability to finish at the rim, stretch the floor, and move defensively made him a coveted prospect.
However, Newell’s draft stock was rising, and it seemed unlikely he would fall to the Bulls’ 12th overall pick. Undeterred, Chicago’s front office executed a daring trade, packaging future assets and a veteran player to move up in the draft order. The move caught the league off guard, as few expected the Bulls to be so aggressive in pursuing the Georgia standout.
“Workouts showcased Newell’s shooting potential, which could unlock a coveted archetype,” Wasserman noted pre-draft. “Teams were drawn to his springy finishing and floor-spacing ability.” The Bulls, desperate for a multi-skilled forward to complement their young core, saw Newell as the perfect piece to accelerate their rebuild.
Why Newell Fits the Bulls’ Vision
The Bulls have been searching for a modern forward capable of thriving in Billy Donovan’s system. Newell’s skill set checks multiple boxes: he’s a high-flying finisher, a developing shooter, and a versatile defender who can switch across positions. At 6-foot-9, he brings the size and athleticism Chicago has lacked at the forward spot.
Newell’s potential as a three-level scoring threat makes him an ideal fit alongside the Bulls’ existing talent. His ability to space the floor opens driving lanes for guards like Coby White, while his rim-running complements Zach LaVine’s playmaking. Defensively, Newell’s lateral quickness and length allow him to guard multiple positions, addressing a key need for a team looking to improve its versatility.
While Newell may not be an All-Star in the making, his ceiling as a starting-caliber forward is undeniable. His long-term upside aligns with Chicago’s timeline, as they aim to build a competitive roster around their young core.
A Night of High Stakes and High Rewards
The Bulls’ decision to trade up for Newell wasn’t without risk. Moving future assets in a draft class loaded with talent required conviction, but Chicago’s front office clearly believes Newell is worth the gamble. The trade sparked debate across the league, with some analysts praising the Bulls’ boldness and others questioning whether they overpaid for a player still raw in certain areas.
Yet, the move signals a clear shift in Chicago’s approach. After years of straddling the line between contending and rebuilding, the Bulls are now fully committed to developing young talent. Newell’s arrival gives Donovan a new weapon to deploy, one who will need to earn his minutes but has the tools to make an immediate impact.
Bulls Could Get Lucky in the Upcoming Draft
In Zach Harper’s recent mock draft for The Athletic, the Bulls strike gold, landing Ace Bailey with the 12th overall pick.
“There are some draft nights in which a player falls for odd reasons, and it invites some very intriguing chaos,” Harper wrote. “We saw it with Cam Whitmore falling to the Rockets at No. 20 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. Enough to fall all the way down here?”
Harper continued.
“That seems dramatic, but I could see him taking a bit of a dive if a team like the Sixers isn’t sold on him helping it win now, or if Charlotte or Washington believe he doesn’t fit with their wings. He projects now as a wing rather than a 6-10 scoring forward. It doesn’t sound like a huge difference, but it could be.”
The Bulls are unlikely to get lucky enough to select Bailey. However, if he is still on the board, Chicago should certainly roll the dice.
Bulls Could Also Look at Other Forwards
In a June 3 mock draft, Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report predicted the team would select Collin Murray-Boyles out of South Carolina.
“Collin Murray-Boyles’ measurements lined up with South Carolina’s listing, the eye test and general expectations,” Wasserman wrote. “He’s built different with a wing’s height and a big’s bulk and a 7’1″ wingspan. While he didn’t shoot the three-ball well in Chicago, he did look very comfortable with his mid-range touch. And that could be enough to unlock significant scoring ability when paired with his physicality around the basket and quick, decisive face-up game attacking in space.”
Whoever the Bulls acquire through the draft will need to earn their spot in the rotation. Donovan may be coaching a rebuilding team, but he will undoubtedly expect the roster to be competitive in the fight for minutes. Therefore, the front office must ensure it does its due diligence.
Chicago has a genuine opportunity to add a future piece to the rotation in the draft. It can’t afford to fumble the selection.
The Road Ahead for Newell and the Bulls
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Newell’s integration into the Bulls’ rotation. Donovan is known for his demanding coaching style, and the rookie will need to prove himself in a competitive environment. However, Newell’s work ethic and versatility suggest he’s up to the challenge.
The Bulls’ draft-night stunner has reinvigorated a fanbase hungry for progress. While the team’s rebuild is far from complete, securing Asa Newell represents a bold step toward a brighter future. If Newell can live up to his potential, Chicago’s gamble could pay dividends for years to come, proving that their shocking move was a stroke of genius.