The Chicago Bulls finally closed Bryson Graham’s first major trade, landing Nic Claxton via a four-team blockbuster that shipped Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets. The deal became official on July 10 after a long wait tied to NBA rules and roster logistics — and the Bulls now have a new starting center in the paint.
What happened in the Bryson Graham trade?
On June 22, the Bulls executed a three-team swap that included Charlotte, sending Randle to Brooklyn while Chicago added Claxton’s $23.3 million expiring contract. The Bulls gave up practically nothing, using Mouhamadou Gueye’s non-guaranteed deal as the required filler before the league office signed off. The trade cleared on July 10, three weeks after the initial announcement, because Gueye’s contract couldn’t be moved until July 9. By folding in Charlotte, the deal became a four-team transaction and finally became official.
The Bulls’ cap space made it possible. Claxton’s $23.3 million salary fits neatly into Chicago’s available funds, effectively acting like a low-risk free-agent pickup. The front office maximized flexibility while addressing a clear need at center — a position the roster lacked depth in after losing DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vučević in prior moves.
Why the Claxton signing matters for Chicago
Claxton slots in as the Bulls’ second-highest paid player behind Josh Giddey at $25.0 million, a quirk that highlights Chicago’s financial maneuverability. Only a handful of teams ever have a starter earning $23 million-plus while ranking second on the cap sheet. That math underscores how much room Graham still has to shape this roster long-term.
Chicago now has 14 guaranteed contracts for 2026-27, leaving one open roster spot and $9.4 million in room exception before October. Claxton will anchor the frontcourt, but the bigger question is whether he fits Graham’s long-term vision. The new executive vice president of basketball operations hasn’t tipped his hand on who he plans to build around, and Claxton’s expiring deal suggests this could be a short-term stopgap rather than a cornerstone.
Where the Bulls roster stands now
The Bulls’ 14-player list includes Norman Powell ($21.5M), Patrick Williams ($18.0M), and Zach Collins ($8.5M) as key rotation pieces. Tre Jones ($8.0M) and rookie Rob Dillingham ($6.9M) run the point, while Isaac Okoro ($11.8M) and Jalen Smith ($9.4M) provide wing and frontcourt depth. The bench still needs a scoring wing or stretch big to complement Claxton’s rim protection.
Chicago’s recent form hasn’t helped — the Bulls lost four straight before beating Dallas 149-128 on April 13, 2026, in a game where they shot 52% from the field but couldn’t contain the Mavericks’ perimeter game. The roster overhaul aims to fix those defensive and rebounding woes, but the early returns depend on how Claxton meshes with the young core and whether Graham uses the final roster spot wisely.
What comes next for Bryson Graham’s Bulls
Graham still has the $9.4 million room exception and cap space to add one more piece before training camp. The front office could chase a two-way wing, a backup point guard, or a rim-running big to pair with Claxton. The trade’s true test arrives in preseason: can Claxton set solid screens, switch onto guards, and protect the paint while the young wings improve their defense? The Bulls’ playoff push hinges on those answers — and whether Graham’s first big move pays off on the court.