The Chicago Bulls are considering retaining Josh Giddey, who will enter restricted free agency this offseason, giving the team the final say on his future. Amid this uncertainty, the Bulls have reportedly set their sights on drafting Egor Demin, a guard from BYU, who closely resembles Giddey in playing style and size, making him an intriguing potential addition to the roster.
Demin stands 6-foot-9, just an inch taller than Giddey’s 6-foot-8 frame, which fuels direct comparisons between the two players. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls are focusing their draft attention on Demin while passing on other prospects like Maryland’s Derik Queen, mainly due to questions about Queen’s athleticism and fit with the team.
Reports suggest that Demin impressed NBA scouts at his pro day in Chicago, showcasing his shooting capabilities and confidence in front of a large executive crowd. His pre-draft evaluations mirror Giddey’s, particularly in shooting ability.
Demin has a rare ability at his size to make dazzling passes,
Yahoo Sports analyst Kevin O’Connor noted.
But he’s also struggled to shoot and create his own shot against lengthy defenders, making him more of a love-him or hate-him prospect than a sure thing.
—Kevin O’Connor, Yahoo Sports
Despite this, Demin remains a highly sought-after prospect expected to be selected within the top 10 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, though the Bulls are not the only team pursuing him.
Comparing Egor Demin and Josh Giddey as the Bulls’ Potential Backcourt Strategy
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony has likened Egor Demin to Deni Avdija, the forward formerly linked to Chicago during his draft process, but the resemblance to Josh Giddey is more pronounced. Both players share similar size and skill sets, which raises questions about roster overlap if the Bulls retain Giddey and draft Demin in the same off-season.
Giddey has elevated his three-point shooting to a career-best percentage of 37.8 percent, reinforcing his value in the Bulls’ lineup. However, the looming restricted free agency means the Bulls hold the right of first refusal on any contract offers Giddey receives and are preparing for the financial implications of potentially offering a deal worth around $30 million annually.
Financially, the Bulls may hold an advantage, as few competing teams have the salary cap space required to outbid Chicago for Giddey. Additionally, the organization could emphasize the benefits of its developmental environment to retain the Australian guard and envision a future where Giddey and Demin complement each other on the floor.
Derik Queen Remains a Consideration Despite Focus on Demin
While Egor Demin is a clear target, Derik Queen remains a player of interest for the Bulls, especially since Queen could address a more immediate positional need. The Bulls face uncertainties at center behind starter Nikola Vučević, despite recently acquiring Jalen Smith as a backup in free agency.
The team continues to seek a long-term solution at the center position, which Queen’s skill set could potentially fill. Cowley mentioned that a private workout might revive Queen’s standing with the Bulls ahead of the draft.
Queen has demonstrated impressive performances at Maryland, including a career-high game with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists against Rutgers, spotlighting his versatility and competitiveness.
Queen is a burly big with guard-like handles who dazzles with spin moves, and crafty finishes like his game-winning leaning jumper to send Maryland to the Sweet 16,
O’Connor observed.
If he translates his velvet touch to the perimeter he has offensive star upside, though his interior scoring, playmaking chops, and magnetic rebounding alone give him tantalizing potential.
—Kevin O’Connor, Yahoo Sports
Maintaining Queen on the draft radar alongside Demin provides the Bulls with multiple options, a prudent strategy for a franchise in the early stages of rebuilding its roster.
The Future Outlook for Chicago’s Draft and Roster Moves
The Bulls face important decisions this offseason, balancing the potential retention of Josh Giddey against the opportunity to add a player like Egor Demin, who could serve as a strategic backup or complementary talent with a similar playmaking profile. Managing Giddey’s restricted free agency financially and competitively will be a priority.
Meanwhile, addressing long-standing needs in the frontcourt remains a focus, with Derik Queen offering a potential solution at center should the Bulls choose to diversify their roster strategy.
This draft phase will be instrumental in shaping Chicago’s competitive window, as they attempt to build around key players like Nikola Vučević and Jalen Smith while considering the development of younger prospects. The Bulls’ front office appears committed to assembling a core that can sustain growth and compete in a challenging NBA landscape.