{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreihopqinad2a2gtetshgcjbpbyyoufjjcfghgv37n3ozyukkbrz3de",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:ha7wpngv4f2qwrk5hta4ktbb/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjkapfegvoj2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreignbs4hpo5okydkqh54m4uye4oqxsougte4smmymvgafjpphftzwa"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 134345
  },
  "path": "/bulls/2026/04/15/bulls-captured-second-first-round-pick-what-can-they-do",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-15T14:04:57.934Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>It might prove to be the best move of the Arturas Karnisovas Era, and it took 1,691 days to show itself.</p><p>Thanks to the Lauri Markkanen three-way trade to Cleveland on Aug. 27, 2021, Karnisovas — the recently fired Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations — acquired a first-round pick from Portland that was protected through 2028, when it would've conveyed as a second-round pick.</p><p>Thanks to the Trail Blazers winning Tuesday night’s play-in game against the Suns, however, the deal finally paid out, as the Bulls will likely have the No. 15 pick to go along with sitting at No. 9 for the draft lottery.</p><p>So what could that Portland pick look like in a loaded 2026 draft class? Very good.</p><p>Three possible prospects at No. 15:</p><p><b>Braylon Mullins – UConn – SG/SF</b></p><p>Unless the Bulls hit big with their first pick and jump into the top four (20.3% chance to do so), a run on guards will likely be the choice at No. 9 – think Mikel Brown Jr. That allows this second pick to be more luxury or need and every team needs shooting. Hello Mr. Mullins.</p><p><b>Aday Mara – Michigan – C</b></p><p>The 7-foot-3 big man is on the climb, showing in the championship run he can see the floor like a guard. Mara is a good rim-runner, and a legit protector in the paint. He could be an instant cover-up for all the issues the Bulls have had in the shot-blocking department at the center position.</p><p><b>Jayden Quaintance – Kentucky – C/PF</b></p><p>Before blowing his knee out at Arizona State his freshman season, the 6-foot-10 athletic big was holding block parties on a nightly basis (2.6 blocks per game). He transferred to Kentucky in what was really a season of recovery, but the feeling is he could be one of the bigger steals and worth the gamble for a team with multiple first-round picks.<br></p>",
  "title": "Now that Bulls have captured a second first-round pick, what can they do?",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-15T15:20:02.476Z"
}