The Chicago Bulls might be able to make the playoffs in a weak Eastern Conference this season, but would be expected to go out with a whimper in the first round. After re-signing Josh Giddey to a four-year deal, the Bulls have rounded out their young core. Still, they are missing an A-list player to lead the charge.
Between Giddey, Coby White, and rookie Noa Essengue, the Bulls have a horrible defense. Veteran center Nikola Vucevic isn’t exactly an anchor down low and doesn’t fit their timeline, anyway.
In an effort to shore up their defense and add to their youth, the Bulls have been urged to target one of the best defensive centers in the NBA. However, they aren’t the only team with interest.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 06: Walker Kessler #24 and Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls look on during the first half at the United Center on November 06, 2023 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)
Chicago Bulls Encouraged to Add Walker Kessler
In his third season with the Utah Jazz, Walker Kessler posted an impressive 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. He has long been subject to trade rumors, being linked to the Los Angeles Lakers. If the Jazz make him available, the Bulls have been urged to pick up the phone.
“Kessler would be the perfect shot-gobbler at the basket to cover for Giddey and White and would allow Buzelis, who led the team in blocks last season as a rookie, to clamp down on the opposition’s best wing/forward and remain a game-changing help defender,” outlined FanSided’s Andrew Hanlon.
Matas Buzelis was touted as an excellent help defender ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft. However, the Bulls used him as a main defender last season, instead of allowing him to lean into his athleticism. With Kessler down low, he and Buzelis could make up for Giddey and White, who are putrid on the defensive end.
Kessler will be a restricted free agent after this season, but the Bulls, as Hanlon explained, have ample cap space to retain him.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 27: Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates with teammates after hitting a game-winning three pointer as time expired against the Los Angeles Lakers at the United Center on March 27, 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)
Chicago Bulls Would Still Need a Star
With Giddey serving as a pass-first guard, White spacing the floor as a scorer, Buzelis able to do a bit of everything, and Kessler gobbling misses and swatting away shots, the Bulls would be primed to compete.
The four mentioned players, along with Essengue, would be an elite supporting cast for a star player. The Bulls, unfortunately, don’t seem to have a true star in the making already on the team.
Stealing Kessler away from the Lakers would be an excellent step in the right direction, although it wouldn’t be the move that puts the Bulls over the hump. In 2026 free agency, even after retaining Kessler, the Bulls will have money to play with.
Perhaps they could lure a player in the next two summers to finalize a roster moving forward, or they could hit it big in the 2026 draft lottery, depending on how they fare in the regular season.
Chicago Bulls Urged to Add Longtime Los Angeles Lakers’ Target