The Chicago Bulls are going to be one of the more intriguing teams as we get closer to the conclusion of the NBA season. They were one of the most active teams at the trade deadline this year, and it appears they are tanking the season for better draft positioning. One publication posted its mock draft after the trade deadline concluded, so let’s take a closer look at which player they have the Bulls selecting.
The Chicago Bulls are mocked to draft big man Jayden Quaintance
Jan 7, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Jayden Quaintance (21) reacts after a play during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky wrote a 2026 NBA mock draft of the first round where the Bulls had the ninth selection. Below is what they wrote about this selection as they had Kentucky Wildcats big man Jayden Quaintance:
“Jayden Quaintance has had a late start to the season as he recovers from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. But the sophomore big man showed immediate flashes once he debuted for Kentucky. Despite a slow start after his transfer from Arizona State, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs a big man like the Chicago Bulls after trading away Nikola Vucevic.”
Quaintance has played in 28 games (25 starts) over the course of two seasons with the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Wildcats. He is averaging 8.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 27.8 minutes per game. He has been shooting the ball well with limited range as he has a 52.9/18.8/45.2 shooting split throughout his career. The 6-foot-9 big man with the Wildcats has shown the ability to play well following significant knee injuries. After the team traded away a significant amount of their frontcourt, Quaintance would be a significant addition for Chicago going forward.
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