Chicago Sold the No. 38 Rights Instead of Developing Jordan Bell
On June 22, 2017, the Bulls drafted Oregon forward Jordan Bell with the 38th selection and moved his rights to the Golden State Warriors for $3.5 million in cash. The agreement did not involve an established NBA player moving to Chicago or a future first-round pick. Golden State had just won the NBA championship and was looking for inexpensive defensive depth around Draymond Green and its other veteran stars. Bell had shown unusual shot-blocking and passing ability for a college forward, making his athletic profile attractive to the Warriors. Chicago had other roster priorities and chose immediate financial consideration rather than committing a second-round roster spot to his development. That cash amount, not an unnamed draft choice, is the direct Chicago return.
Bell Contributed to Golden State as a Rookie
Bell appeared in 57 Warriors regular-season games in 2017-18, starting 13 and averaging 4.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in fewer than 15 minutes. His ability to defend in space made him an interesting reserve on a team that already had elite offensive creators. Golden State won another NBA championship in 2018, and Bell appeared in postseason games, giving the defending champions cheap rotation insurance from a second-round selection. His role diminished in subsequent seasons, so the acquisition was not the creation of a long-term franchise star. Nevertheless, he supplied immediate NBA games and title-season frontcourt minutes, which is more basketball value than Chicago could obtain directly from cash in the same agreement. The inherited Warriors A- grade emphasizes that favorable cost-to-contribution relationship.
The Bulls Received Cash but No Direct Player Development
Chicago collected $3.5 million and did not have to sign Bell. That consideration had financial value, yet no NBA games, rebounds or blocks can be credited as an incoming Bulls player return from this transaction. The Bulls D inherited grade reflects the opportunity cost of giving a useful young defender to a championship rival for a cash payment. It should not be exaggerated into an argument that Bell eventually became an All-Star or that all Warriors championships were his doing. His specific reserve contribution in 2017-18 is enough to establish why the Warriors benefited. The draft-night rights chain is simple and complete: Chicago chose Bell, Golden State purchased his rights and the Bulls retained the money. This deal illustrates how a modest draft prospect can have more practical roster value than immediate cash.
Final Verdict
Warriors Win. Golden State earns A- for No. 38 Jordan Bell, who played 57 games and provided reserve defense on its 2018 championship team. Chicago receives D for $3.5 million cash. The Bulls got financial consideration, while the Warriors acquired an inexpensive player who actually filled frontcourt minutes.