Chicago Bulls face crucial 2025 offseason decisions: who to draft at #12 (Queen? Knueppel?) & the future of Coby White & Josh Giddey. Big changes loom.
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
While the hardwood is quiet for the Chicago Bulls after a 39-43 season that saw them finish 9th in the East, the front office is anything but. June 6th marks another day deeper into a critical offseason, with the upcoming NBA Draft and massive roster decisions, particularly concerning the future of Coby White and Josh Giddey, taking center stage. The direction of the franchise hangs in the balance.
Reports indicate the Bulls are unlikely to keep both Coby White and Josh Giddey this offseason, signaling a potential major shift in the team's backcourt.
With the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Bulls have a prime opportunity to inject much-needed talent. Names like Maryland center Derik Queen and Duke wing Kon Knueppel are reportedly high on their list. Queen's interior presence and rebounding prowess could fill a significant void, especially if he's available at their spot. The front office is undoubtedly burning the midnight oil on scouting reports and draft scenarios, knowing this pick is crucial for future success.
The biggest buzz surrounds the Bulls' backcourt. Despite Coby White's breakout year (20.4 PPG) and Josh Giddey's playmaking (7.2 APG), the word on the street is that keeping both is unlikely. This isn't just about on-court fit; it's about roster construction and future salary cap implications. Will one be traded? If so, who? This decision will have a ripple effect on the team's offensive identity and overall strategy moving forward. It's a tough call, as both players bring unique skills to the table.
Looking back at the 2024-25 season, it was a mixed bag. White's scoring leap was a major positive, Nikola Vucevic continued his solid rebounding (10.1 RPG), and rookie Matas Buzelis showed promise as a defensive presence, leading the team with 0.9 blocks per game. These individual performances offer building blocks, but the team's overall record underscores the need for significant improvement and smarter roster moves, especially after a season that saw the departure of Zach LaVine and the integration of new faces.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the Bulls' offseason is the news of Jerry Reinsdorf reportedly selling the Chicago White Sox. While there's no official word on the Bulls' ownership changing hands, it naturally sparks questions and speculation among fans and analysts. A potential shift in ownership could bring sweeping changes to the team's management, philosophy, and long-term investment. It's a situation worth monitoring, even if it's just whispers for now.
The coming weeks are pivotal for the Bulls. Decisions made in the draft and regarding the current roster, especially the backcourt, will set the trajectory for the 2025-26 season and beyond. Stay tuned, Bulls Nation, it's going to be an eventful offseason!
