The Chicago Bulls have several directions they could take with the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the team is reportedly “zoning in” on top prospect as a potential selection. However, choosing Demin might not be the most logical move—unless the Bulls are considering, or at least open to, parting ways with veteran star in free agency.
At this point, the belief is that Chicago intends to keep top star. Still, their rumored interest in Demin adds a layer of uncertainty to their offseason plans.
While Demin has been rising on draft boards recently and could realistically be selected in the Bulls’ range, his skill set closely mirrors Giddey’s. If the team plans to re-sign Giddey, drafting Demin could leave fans puzzled or even disappointed by the redundancy.
Bulls’ draft strategy may tip their free agency plan with Josh Giddey?
The way the Chicago Bulls handle the 2025 NBA Draft could offer insight into their broader plans for the offseason. The general expectation is that the team will extend Josh Giddey, especially after acquiring him last offseason and seeing him thrive this year. Letting him walk now would reflect poorly on the front office.
Still, it’s fair to wonder whether the Bulls have at least considered what moving on from Giddey might look like—either by letting him leave in free agency or pursuing a sign-and-trade that benefits all parties.
While such a scenario doesn’t appear likely at this point, Chicago’s rumored interest in Egor Demin—a prospect with a strikingly similar skill set to Giddey—introduces some uncertainty.
Among all the potential draft options, targeting Demin is particularly intriguing due to his stylistic overlap with Giddey. It’s possible this is just a smokescreen, but the rumor gives fans a glimpse into how open-minded the Bulls might be heading into the offseason.
With about three weeks until the draft, it’s clear the Bulls are evaluating a range of possibilities. Their interest in Demin could signal a willingness to rethink their current roster structure, which may ultimately be a good sign as the front office looks to reshape the team’s foundation.
Though drafting Demin and then moving Giddey via sign-and-trade isn’t a strategy many would recommend, the mere existence of these rumors suggests that option, while unlikely, isn’t completely off the table.