During the previous tenure, the Chicago Bulls often gave up assets and got pennies on the dollar with every move they made. That's why watching Bryson Graham do the opposite as soon as they took the reins of the team was so refreshing.
With all eyes set on the NBA Draft and potentially Caleb Wilson, the Bulls emerged from the shadows to make an underrated move. Not only did they address a big need by adding Nic Claxton, but they didn't have to give up anything in return.
Of course, getting Wilson will be a more impactful move in the long run, but getting their big man of the future at such a discount may have been the savviest move of the offseason, especially given how much other teams gave up for their centers.
The Chicago Bulls fleeced the Nets with the Nic Claxton trade
All the Bulls had to do to get Nic Claxton was send Mouhamadou Gueye to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota then sent Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick to the Brooklyn Nets for the No. 33 pick.
For context, the Los Angeles Lakers just gave up two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Utah Jazz to get Walker Kessler. Then, they gave their new big man a four-year, $130 million contract.
The Bulls, on the other hand, will have to pay $23.1 million in 2026 and $21 millino in 2027 for a player who has been much more durable than Kessler. And while he may not average as many blocks per game, he's also an outstanding rim protector.
Last season, the 26-year-old Claxton averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game on 57 percent from the floor and just 27.8 minutes. He's tailor-made for the uber-athletic new-look Bulls, giving Tiago Splitter a rim-running threat who can hold his own against stronger, sturdier big men.
The Bulls are going to be a matchup nightmare for other teams. They're switchable, long, and have the potential to guard multiple spots. They'll be a work in progress, for sure, but they have the right weapons.
More than that, this move was a clear shift in the tides. The Bulls went from losing deals to gathering assets. It's refreshing to see the team embrace their reality and be willing to work with their salary cap to facilitate moves and get players at a discount.
That's a huge win in my book.
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