Morez Johnson Jr. Not Expected to Make it Past Bulls at 15

The 2026 NBA Draft is fast approaching. The Chicago Bulls hold the 4th and 15th overall picks in the first round of the Tuesday night draft (June 23rd). Chicago also has multiple second round picks, but any hopes the franchise has about turning things around quickly rest in the hands of their two first round selections. That is what makes that latest news surrounding Chicago's intentions so interesting. 

In The Stein Line Substack, Jake Fischer recently reported that the Chicago Bulls are reportedly locked-in on acquiring Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr.  

This bit of draft intel makes a ton of sense, as Johnson fits Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham S.L.A.P. philosophy to a tee.

There has been reports starting that the Bulls are trying to move up in the draft, and if it is in an attempt to secure Johnson, it makes sense. The latter half of Fischer's report does mention that there is a very real possibility that Johnson is snagged before the 15th overall pick.

While Johnson's skillet could theoretically help every team, the teams picking between the 11th and 14th pick--Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets--could especially use help in the frontcourt. With several of those aforementioned teams involved in unrelated trade talks (according to Fischer), Chicago could have a decernt-sized window of opportunity to move up just enough to guarantee Johnson is on the board with their second first round selection.

Johnson's measurements coming out of the NBA Draft Combine were truly impressive. He stands at 6-foot-9 (barefoot), just under 251 lbs., with a 7-foot-3.5 wingspan and a 8-foot-11 standing reach.

When factoring his incredible motor and rebounding ability, Johnson has the size to play center at the NBA level. 

Chicago has a massive hole in their roster at the center position. Whether or not Tiago Splitter deployed Johnson as a full-time five or played him next to one, it is easy to see how his strengths would aid the Bulls. 

Johnson led the National Champion Michigan Wolverines in rebounds at 7.3 per game. His per 40-minute stats show his true impact, as he averaged 11.7 rebound and 6.2 free throw attempts per 40 minutes. He was a true force on the interior, and was one of the main reasons the Wolverines were the best college basketball team in the nation last season. Johnson's effort and intensity being added to a squad that (theoretically) also has Caleb Wilson would ensure that the Splitter-Graham Era of Chicago Bulls basketball starts off with a tough, athletic and physical core that would at its best, resemble what the Eastern Conference No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons showcased this past season.