It might prove to be the best move of the Arturas Karnisovas Era, and it took 1,691 days to show itself.
Thanks to the Lauri Markkanen three-way trade to Cleveland on Aug. 27, 2021, Karnisovas – the recently fired Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations – acquired a first-round pick from Portland that was protected through 2028, before conveying into a second-round pick.
Thanks to the Trail Blazers winning Tuesday night’s play-in game against the Suns, however, the deal finally paid out, as the Bulls will likely have the No. 15 pick to go along with sitting at No. 9 for the draft lottery.
So what could that Portland pick look like in a loaded 2026 draft class? Very good.
Three possible prospects at No. 15:
Braylon Mullins – UConn – SG/SF
Unless the Bulls hit big with their first pick and jump into the top four (20.3% chance to do so), a run on guards will likely be the choice at No 9 – think Mikel Brown Jr. That allows this second pick to be more luxury or need and every team needs shooting. Hello Mr. Mullins.
Aday Mara – Michigan – C
The 7-foot-3 big man is on the climb, showing in the championship run he can see the floor like a guard, good rim-runner, and a legit protector in the paint. He could be an instant cover up for all the issues the Bulls have had in the shot-blocking department at the center position.
Jayden Quaintance – Kentucky – C/PF
Before blowing his knee out at Arizona State his freshman season, the 6-10 athletic big was holding block parties on a nightly basis (2.6 blocks per game). He transferred to Kentucky in what was really a season of recovery, but the feeling is he could be one of the bigger steals and worth the gamble for a team with multiple first-round picks.