Bulls could make stunning Caleb Wilson decision that would change everything

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Bulls could make stunning Caleb Wilson decision that would change everything

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Jun 4, 2026 11:29 AM ET

The Chicago Bulls own the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft later this month, and the general consensus is that they will end up selecting who is remaining between Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.

The prevailing thought is that Wilson will be the name still on the board for the Bulls once they are on the clock, so they are expected to nab the University of North Carolina product and then start thinking about what they will do with the 15th pick.

But is it possible that Chicago could bypass Wilson altogether and do something entirely different?

Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy isn’t ruling it out, suggesting that the Bulls could ultimately trade out of the No. 4 spot and move down in the draft order to select Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., who could serve as a replacement for Josh Giddey.

But would Chicago really pass up on the opportunity to steal Wilson?

Chicago Bulls linked to surprising Mikel Brown Jr. move

Feb 17, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) looks on during the second half against the SMU Mustangs at Moody Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Brown is certainly a unique prospect. He is a 6-foot-5 point guard capable of both scoring and facilitating, and if it weren’t for Darryn Peterson, he would surely be viewed as the top guard prospect in this year’s class.

“Passing on Wilson would be a gamble, no doubt. But Brown’s elite ability as a three-level scorer and playmaker is perhaps second only to Darryn Peterson in this draft,” Hanlon wrote.

Hanlon loves Brown’s offensive versatility, which is something the Bull sorely need.

“But he’s not just a scorer; he’s also a standout playmaker, especially out of the pick-and-roll. He uses his threat as a shooter to drag defenders toward him and spread an array of passes to rollers and open teammates,” Hanlon added.

The problem with Brown is his defensive inconsistency. While he has the tools to be a good defender, he has yet to put it all together, and with new top executive Bryson Graham making it clear he wants a team full of nasty defensive players, Brown might not be his cup of tea.

Wilson, on the other hand, could be the best two-way player in this draft and would fill a massive need for Chicago as a defensive anchor in the frontcourt.

Brown would be tempting, especially if the Bulls can acquire some other capital in the process. But I’m just not sure snubbing Wilson would be the right move.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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