Despite holding two draft picks in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, Chicago Bulls executive Bryson Graham traded both selections.
Although the Bulls had a chance to bring in four fresh rookies after the two-day event, they came away with two.
Considering the Bulls are in the midst of a rebuild, many expected Chicago to prioritize finding some low-risk rookies in round two. The decision to move off the picks called for an explanation on June 25.
Chicago Bulls Give Honest Explanation On NBA Draft Trades
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 22: A general view of the center court logo prior to the game between the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons at the United Center on October 22, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“You have your board, and you have your targets, and one of the things I had mentioned were obviously Caleb [Wilson] and Dailyn [Swain] were targets for us,” Bryson Graham explained on 104.3 The Score.
“As we’re going down it, and it’s nothing against the players that were remaining, they just weren’t particularly targets of ours, so we were looking like, how can we get some future assets, and push this pick forward, and that was kind of the thinking behind it.”
What Did The Bulls Do In Round 2?
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – APRIL 12: Kam Jones #7 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 12, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Before the second round even started, the Bulls traded the second of their two picks to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In exchange for the No. 56 pick, the Lakers sent cash considerations to the Bulls. That placed all eyes on the No. 38 selection.
Just as the lone pick approached, the Bulls once again struck a trade. That time, it had a player involved.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bulls picked up cash, future pick swaps, and Kam Jones from the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers used the pick on Purdue guard Braden Smith.
The Bulls’ Round 1 Action
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 31: Caleb Wilson #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second half at Hank McCamish Pavilion on January 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Many considered the Bulls a winner of the first round.
As expected, Chicago spent its fourth-overall pick on the North Carolina star, Caleb Wilson. He was the obvious pick from the jump.
Just outside of the lottery, the Bulls selected the Texas guard Dailyn Swain at No. 15 overall. The Bulls are clearly thrilled to have two players they thought highly of during the scouting process.
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