The day of the 2025 NBA Draft has finally arrived, as has the day when teams historically surprise the basketball world by announcing their last-minute deals. These news stories, however unexpected, keep fans on the edge of their seats.
One of the most intriguing teams this draft cycle has been the Chicago Bulls, who have long been linked to potential pre-draft trades for their 12th pick. Now, though, focus has shifted towards four distinct, different prospects.
Will The Chicago Bulls Make a Draft Day Trade?
For this reason, NBA analyst Jake Weinbach’s latest report has received enormous attention. Weinbach predicted a significant NBA Draft-related move to occur on Wednesday.
“There’s going to be some chaotic movement in the NBA Draft tomorrow…” he posted on X.
Fans’ imaginations immediately took flight, landing on the Chicago Bulls as one of the teams rumored to be looking to trade their picks. However, Weinbach dismissed that possibility.
Not that I know of. The Bulls are probably content knowing that one of Collin Murray-Boyles, Noa Essengue, Carter Bryant, or Derik Queen will be there at No. 12.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) June 25, 2025
Rumors that the Chicago Bulls are pursuing a trade have gained traction on social media but have also been widely denied. Among those denying the rumors is renowned analyst KC Johnson, who revealed details about what could happen in the draft on his Chicago Sports Network show, The Fastbreak.
“From everything I’ve been told, they are very confident they’re going to get a good player at 12. I have not heard much talk about them trading up,” Johnson said. “It’s a very eye of the beholder draft, so I do think a good player will be there available at No. 12.”
He continued, “…The two names that I’m hearing the most linked to the Bulls are Collin Murray-Boyles and Noah Essengue, the French prospect, pretty different players.”
Chicago Bulls Target Four Distinct Options With No. 12 Pick
Johnson corroborated Weinbach’s report about Derik Queen, confirming that he will most likely be the Bulls’ third choice for the 12th overall pick if Murray-Boyles and Essengue are unavailable.
“If they’re not available, the one name that I’m hearing that is just going to be such a disparate opinion maker is Derik Queen,” Johnson said.
“He’s got question marks about his athleticism, his work ethic, his defense, but man, he is as accomplished an offensive big as you will find, and the Bulls certainly need some long-term answers at center with Nikola Vucevic’s future uncertain, and Zach Collins up after next year.”
The four prospects represent different skill sets and philosophies. Murray-Boyles, a 6’7″ defensive specialist from South Carolina, averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds as a sophomore. His defensive versatility makes him an immediate contributor, though his 26.5% three-point shooting raises ceiling questions.
Essengue, an 18-year-old French forward, represents the Bulls’ upside play. At 6’10” with improving mobility, he’s drawn comparisons to modern stretch forwards. Bryant, at 6’8″, brings a prototypical wing profile with strong three-point shooting (37%) and defensive versatility despite limited college production.
Queen presents the highest risk-reward scenario as a 6’10” center who earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. His offensive polish and playmaking ability are elite, but concerns about his motor and defensive commitment have caused his stock to fluctuate.
The Chicago Bulls will make their first selection in the upcoming draft, 12th overall. After that, they’ll only have one more opportunity, 45th overall.
ESPN’s mock draft projects Collin Murray-Boyles with the 13th overall pick, while giving Noah Essengue the 9th overall pick and Derik Queen the 15th overall pick. This puts them within the Bulls’ reach, and the team certainly has a good chance of landing one of them.
Forget all that.
First and foremost queen is a basketball player