# Chicago Bulls rebuild: Caleb Wilson era begins > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chicago-bulls-2026-draft-plan > Updated: 2026-08-13T04:00:00.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 19. The Chicago Bulls are undergoing a significant rebuild led by new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham. Following the departure of head coach Billy Donovan, the team hired Tiago Splitter as head coach to implement a defensive-focused identity. In the 2026 NBA Draft, the Bulls selected 20-year-old North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 overall pick. Wilson, praised for his athleticism and versatility, averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds at UNC. He also selected Dailyn Swain at No. 15. To bolster the roster, the front office added veteran center Nic Claxton via trade, signed guard Norman Powell, and re-signed Zach Collins. While Graham has urged fans to be patient with the rebuilding timeline, his decisions have faced scrutiny from a fan base accustomed to middling results. Wilson’s Summer League debut was historic, where he scored 35 points, setting an unofficial scoring record. Over four games, he averaged 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks, earning a spot on the Summer League First Team. Former Bulls star Derrick Rose praised Wilson’s confidence, calling him “delusional” in a positive sense and noting that he sees himself in the rookie. As the Bulls prepare for the 2026-27 season, the roster features a youth movement including Wilson, Matas Buzelis, and Josh Giddey. The team’s upcoming schedule includes a challenging opening month against several playoff teams from the previous season. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: Chicago Bulls release 2026-27 NBA season schedule The Chicago Bulls have released their 2026-27 NBA schedule, highlighting a rebuilding season featuring rookie Caleb Wilson and a demanding slate of 15 back-to-back games. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-release-2026-27-nba-season-schedule ### 2026-07-25: Derrick Rose Praises Bulls Rookie Caleb Wilson as 'Delusional' in Positive Way Derrick Rose praised Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson, calling him “delusional” in a positive way and noting they relate, while urging him to stay disciplined. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/derrick-rose-praises-bulls-rookie-caleb-wilson-as-delusional-in-positive-way ### 2026-07-24: Chicago Bulls select Caleb Wilson with No. 4 pick in 2026 NBA Draft The Bulls drafted Caleb Wilson No. 4 overall in 2026, likened to Tracy McGrady, and added veterans Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, and Zach Collins; ESPN gave the offseason a C+ grade. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-select-caleb-wilson-with-no-4-pick-in-2026-nba-draft-1 ### 2026-07-20: Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson shines in 2026 NBA Summer League Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson, the 2026 No. 4 pick, averaged 23.5 points and earned First Team honors at the NBA Summer League, saying, “We’re going to win.” 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-rookie-caleb-wilson-shines-in-2026-nba-summer-league ### 2026-07-17: Chicago Bulls' Caleb Wilson shines in 2026 Summer League, sparks optimism Caleb Wilson's 35‑point Summer League debut and strong rookie stats boost Chicago Bulls' outlook for the 2026 season. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-rookie-caleb-wilson-shines-in-summer-league-sparks-fan-merchandise-and-teammate-chemis ### 2026-07-14: Chicago Bulls win first 2026 Summer League game over Washington Wizards Bulls beat Wizards 99-87 in their first 2026 Summer League win; Caleb Wilson scored 19 points with a buzzer 3‑pointer as the Wizards played without top pick AJ Dybantsa. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-win-first-2026-summer-league-game-over-washington-wizards ### 2026-07-14: Chicago Bulls launch rebuild with new front office and top draft pick The Bulls, under new VP Bryson Graham, overhauled management, drafted Caleb Wilson at No. 4, added veterans and aim to end a playoff drought, learning from past draft missteps. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-launch-rebuild-with-new-front-office-and-top-draft-pick ### 2026-07-11: Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson sets Summer League scoring record Rookie Caleb Wilson scored a record 35 points (7‑of‑11 threes) in the Bulls’ 97‑96 Summer League loss, setting an unofficial debut record and sparking optimism for Chicago’s rebuild. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/caleb-wilson-sets-summer-league-scoring-record-in-bulls-debut ### 2026-07-09: Caleb Wilson scores 35 points in historic NBA Summer League debut for Chicago Bulls Caleb Wilson scored a record‑tying 35 points in his NBA Summer League debut for the Bulls, an emotional effort that fell short in a 97‑96 loss to Memphis. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/caleb-wilson-sets-summer-league-rookie-scoring-record-as-bulls-fall-to-grizzlies ### 2026-06-28: Chicago Bulls' new exec Bryson Graham faces fan criticism over patience stance Bulls' new exec Bryson Graham drafted Wilson and Swain, urged patience, and traded two second‑round picks, prompting fan criticism and questions about missed shooting talent. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-new-exec-bryson-graham-faces-fan-criticism-over-patience-stance ### 2026-06-28: Chicago Bulls pick Caleb Wilson No. 4 in 2026 NBA Draft The Chicago Bulls drafted UNC forward Caleb Wilson fourth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft; former Lakers champion Derek Fisher praised his all‑round abilities, and Wilson marked the pick by posting a childhood‑B​ 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-pick-caleb-wilson-no-4-in-2026-nba-draft ### 2026-06-26: Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson sets sights on Rookie of the Year The Bulls drafted Caleb Wilson fourth overall, and he says he expects Rookie of the Year and aims to be a franchise GOAT; the team also adds Nic Claxton, keeps Leonard Miller, and reshapes its roster under new‑ 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-select-caleb-wilson-with-fourth-overall-pick-in-2026-nba-draft ### 2026-06-24: Chicago Bulls select Caleb Wilson with No. 4 pick in 2026 NBA Draft The Chicago Bulls drafted UNC forward Caleb Wilson fourth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, citing his athleticism and upside, while coaches liken his potential to a college Giannis. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-select-caleb-wilson-with-no-4-pick-in-2026-nba-draft ### 2026-06-20: 2026 NBA Draft: Lakers, Clippers, Bulls and Others Eye Top Prospects The 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center sees the Lakers scouting multiple prospects, the Clippers holding the No. 5 pick, the Bulls eyeing Caleb Wilson at No. 4, the Nets evaluating No. 6 options, and the Maver­i 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/2026-nba-draft-bulls-target-caleb-wilson-as-illinois-produces-multiple-firstround-guards ### 2026-06-17: Chicago Bulls eye guard Keaton Wagler and rebuild with 2026 NBA draft picks The Bulls may trade up from pick 15 in the 2026 NBA draft to select guard Keaton Wagler while also targeting forward Caleb Wilson to address roster needs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-eye-guard-keaton-wagler-and-rebuild-with-2026-nba-draft-picks ### 2026-06-09: Chicago Bulls plot draft strategy and new head coach amid front‑office overhaul The Chicago Bulls, after hiring VP Bryson Graham and losing coach Billy Donovan, target No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson in the 2026 draft and interview coaching finalists Nori, Splitter, Schmidt and Unseld Jr. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-plot-draft-strategy-and-new-head-coach-amid-frontoffice-overhaul ### 2026-06-04: Chicago Bulls target Caleb Wilson in 2026 NBA Draft Chicago Bulls eye Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, while scouting other prospects and weighing trade options to jump‑start a long‑stalled rebuild. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-target-caleb-wilson-in-2026-nba-draft ### 2026-06-02: Chicago Bulls target No.4 draft pick and explore Mavericks trade to boost rebuild The Bulls, holding the No. 4 pick, eye a trade with the Mavericks for the No. 9 spot while Caleb Wilson says he’ll change the team’s culture if drafted. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-target-no4-draft-pick-and-explore-mavericks-trade-to-boost-rebuild ### 2026-05-19: Chicago Bulls eye UNC forward Caleb Wilson and Baylor guard Cameron Carr in 2026 draft Bulls target athletic UNC forward Caleb Wilson at No. 4 and sharpshooting Baylor guard Cameron Carr at No. 15 in the 2026 draft. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-eye-unc-forward-caleb-wilson-and-baylor-guard-cameron-carr-in-2026-draft --- Cite as: Chicago Bulls rebuild: Caleb Wilson era begins. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chicago-bulls-2026-draft-plan