The Chicago Bulls, a franchise etched in NBA lore with the fourth-most championships, have long been synonymous with Michael Jordan’s dominance in the 1990s. Yet, since those glory days, the Bulls have struggled to recapture their past brilliance. Derrick Rose’s 2011 MVP season offered a glimmer of hope, but injuries halted that dream. Fast forward to 2025, and the Bulls are firmly in rebuild mode, with a promising young core headlined by 2024-25 All-Rookie selection Matas Buzelis and first-round pick Noa Essengue. However, the team faces critical decisions, particularly regarding the backcourt, as Coby White’s contract nears its end and negotiations with restricted free agent Josh Giddey loom.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, the Bulls may already be eyeing a replacement for White in his way-too-early 2026 NBA Mock Draft. Wasserman projects Chicago selecting Arizona Wildcats freshman Brayden Burries with the 12th overall pick, signaling a potential shift in the Bulls’ long-term vision. This move could reshape the franchise’s backcourt and solidify a youthful, dynamic core for the future.
Brayden Burries: A Rising Star for Chicago’s Backcourt
Brayden Burries, a five-star combo guard from Southern California, is a cornerstone of Arizona’s loaded 2025 recruiting class, alongside fellow five-star prospect Koa Peat. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Burries possesses the ideal frame for a modern NBA combo guard. His standout trait, as noted by Wasserman, is his scoring prowess. Burries combines size, athleticism, and versatility, making him a potential fit alongside Josh Giddey, should the Bulls secure the young playmaker on a long-term deal.
Coby White, currently a key piece of Chicago’s backcourt, has proven his value as a dynamic scorer and playmaker. Standing at 6-foot-5 but lighter than Burries, White’s skill set overlaps with what Burries could bring. However, with White’s contract expiring after the 2025-26 season, the Bulls face a financial crossroads. Paying both White and Giddey lucrative extensions could strain the team’s cap space, especially as they invest in their young frontcourt duo of Buzelis and Essengue. Drafting Burries on a cost-controlled rookie deal could provide a seamless transition, allowing Chicago to maintain financial flexibility while building around a core of Giddey (24 years old by the 2026-27 season), Buzelis (22), Burries (20), and Essengue (19).
Why Burries Fits Chicago’s Vision
Burries’ appeal lies in his ability to impact games without needing the ball in his hands, a critical trait for a backcourt partner to Giddey, who thrives as a primary playmaker. His scoring versatility—whether off the catch, in transition, or creating his own shot—complements Giddey’s pass-first style. Additionally, Burries’ defensive potential, bolstered by his size and athleticism, could address Chicago’s need for a two-way guard to pair with their young forwards.
The Bulls’ current rebuild prioritizes youth and upside. Buzelis, a 6-foot-9 forward with guard-like skills, and Essengue, a versatile big with defensive instincts, form a promising frontcourt. Adding Burries could complete a core that blends scoring, playmaking, and defensive potential, positioning Chicago to compete in the Eastern Conference as early as 2026-27.
The Risks and Uncertainties
As with any mock draft this early, projections are speculative. Burries’ stock could rise or fall based on his freshman season at Arizona, where he’ll share the spotlight with other high-profile recruits. His ability to translate his scoring prowess to the NBA level will be critical, as will his development as a defender and playmaker. Meanwhile, the Bulls’ decisions regarding Giddey and White will shape their draft strategy. If Chicago opts to extend White, the need for a guard like Burries diminishes. Conversely, if Giddey’s negotiations falter, the Bulls may prioritize a different archetype in the draft.
A Strategic Pivot for the Bulls
The potential selection of Brayden Burries underscores Chicago’s forward-thinking approach to their rebuild. By targeting a versatile, high-upside guard, the Bulls are preparing for a future where financial prudence and youth development take precedence. While Coby White has been a bright spot, the economics of roster building may force Chicago to pivot toward a cheaper, younger alternative. If Burries lives up to his five-star billing, he could form the backbone of a new era in Chicago alongside Giddey, Buzelis, and Essengue.
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Burries’ performance at Arizona and the Bulls’ roster decisions. For a franchise desperate to reclaim its place among the NBA’s elite, this draft intelligence signals a bold step toward a brighter future.