Bulls’ Young Core: Evaluating Future Prospects and Betting Futures

The Chicago Bulls have entered a new era, pivoting from a veteran-heavy roster to a youth-focused rebuild. After moving on from DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Alex Caruso, Chicago now boasts a core of promising young players, draft capital, and future cap flexibility. 

But how does this young core stack up for the future, and what does it mean for fans and bettors eyeing the Bulls’ long-term prospects?

The Foundation: Who Makes Up the Young Core?

Chicago’s youth movement centers around several players aged 25 and under:

• Coby White (25): White has emerged as a key building block, showing flashes of scoring brilliance and earning recognition as a core player for the franchise. While his consistency remains a work in progress, his development has been a rare bright spot in recent seasons.
• Josh Giddey (22): Acquired for Caruso, Giddey brings elite playmaking and rebounding for his age, but his defensive struggles and streaky performances have raised questions about his ceiling as a franchise centerpiece. Still, his youth and international experience offer hope for growth,
• Matas Buzelis (19): Drafted in 2024, Buzelis is considered the highest-upside prospect on the roster. His two-way potential and athleticism have drawn attention, and he’s viewed as a possible future star if developed properly,
• Ayo Dosunmu (25): A steady contributor, Dosunmu provides energy and defense, though he hasn’t yet shown the upside to be a cornerstone,
• Jalen Smith (24): Smith has improved defensively and could become a long-term rotation piece if his offensive game stabilizes,
• Patrick Williams (23): Despite a new contract, Williams has struggled with aggression and consistency, losing his starting role and leaving his long-term fit in question.

How Does Chicago’s Young Core Compare Leaguewide?

When measured against the NBA’s elite under-25 talent, the Bulls’ core lags behind—a fact reflected not only in league rankings but also in current Bulls betting odds, which mirror skepticism around the team’s short-term ceiling.

None of the Bull’s current youth contingent are projected to reach the franchise-changing status of players like Victor Wembanyama or Anthony Edwards. 

Coby White is the only Bull to crack the top 25 under-25 list, and even he sits near the bottom. The absence of a clear-cut young superstar means Chicago’s path to contention likely requires further drafting and development.

Front Office Strategy and Draft Outlook

The Bulls’ recent moves signal a commitment to a patient rebuild. By acquiring draft assets and shedding large contracts, Chicago is positioning itself to add more high-upside prospects in the next two drafts. 

With their 2025 first-round pick back in hand and major cap space projected for 2026, the organization is set up for flexibility-whether to draft a potential franchise player or to pursue a star via trade or free agency down the line.

Betting Futures: Cautious Optimism or Long Shot?

For bettors, the Bulls remain a long shot in the near term. As of spring 2025, Chicago’s odds to win the NBA title are astronomical +200,000 or longer-reflecting their status as a rebuilding team.

Playoff odds are off the board after another Play-In Tournament exit, and most sportsbooks don’t see them as contenders for the division or conference titles. The consensus is that Chicago is at least a year or two away from meaningful playoff runs.

However, futures markets do offer some intrigue:

• Rookie of the Year: Matas Buzelis is among the top candidates, with odds around +1200, highlighting his perceived upside and the likelihood of significant playing time,.
• Most Improved Player: Josh Giddey is a dark horse at +1100, should he make a leap as a primary facilitator,
• Win Totals: The over/under for Bulls wins is set low (28.5), reflecting expectations of growing pains as the young core develops.

What Needs to Happen Next?

For the Bulls to accelerate their rebuild, several things must fall into place:

• Player Development: White, Giddey, and Buzelis need to take tangible steps forward, especially in consistency and defense. Buzelis, in particular, must be given room to grow into a primary role,
• Draft Success: With no surefire star on the roster, hitting on a top pick in 2025 or 2026 is crucial. The Bulls must prioritize talent over positional fit to maximize upside,
• Asset Management: The front office must remain patient, using cap flexibility and draft capital wisely rather than chasing quick fixes.

The Bottom Line

The Bulls’ young core offers hope, but the franchise lacks a clear trajectory-altering talent at this stage. The next two years will be critical as Chicago seeks to draft or develop a true star. 

For now, expectations should be tempered: playoff runs are unlikely, and betting on the Bulls for major futures is a long shot. Still, with a focused rebuild and a few breaks, Chicago could lay the foundation for a return to relevance in the late 2020s.