Golden State Bought the No. 38 Pick From Chicago
The Bulls selected Jordan Bell from Oregon with the 38th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft and immediately sent his rights to the Golden State Warriors for $3.5 million in cash. Golden State already had a title-contending roster anchored by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, but it needed affordable athletic big men on rookie deals. Bell's rebounding, help defense and mobility fit that requirement better than another veteran contract. Chicago chose immediate cash instead of investing a roster position in the second-rounder. The financial amount was real and documented, even though it did not improve the Bulls' basketball roster.
Bell Gave the Warriors Two Postseason-Useful Seasons
Bell appeared in 57 regular-season Warriors games as a rookie in 2017-18, starting 13 and playing 809 minutes. He used his athleticism around the rim and contributed as a reserve during the team's successful championship defense. He returned for 68 games in 2018-19, adding another 788 minutes and three starts as Golden State reached the Finals again. Across those two seasons, Bell totaled 125 appearances and 1,597 regular-season minutes. He was not the principal player responsible for either Finals run, but that is an appreciable contribution from an inexpensive second-round center.
Chicago Received Cash but Passed on a Useful Rotation Option
The Bulls received $3.5 million, a tangible payment that could support the organization's finances or broader transactions. It is not correct to describe their return as literally nothing. However, the club did not receive another player or draft selection from the rights swap. Bell provided the Warriors minutes while Chicago was rebuilding following the Jimmy Butler trade. A salary-cap or payroll analysis would have to consider how the Bulls used the money, but there is no reason to invent a specific later draft or player acquisition funded solely by this deal. The known immediate return was cash, not on-court production.
The Cost of Buying Rotation Depth Was Well Worth It
Golden State gave up a cash payment rather than future player assets to acquire two years of inexpensive frontcourt contributions. Bell's defense fit a switchable system built around proven stars, and his rookie-season minutes helped a team seeking a fourth championship in five years. Chicago had a rational financial reason to accept the offer, but a prospect who could play 125 games for a contender had more sporting value than the money alone demonstrates. The Warriors did not discover another All-Star at No. 38, and Bell's role declined in his second year, yet this was a favorable return on a draft-rights purchase.
Final Verdict
Warriors Win. Golden State keeps B+ for Jordan Bell's 125 regular-season games and 1,597 minutes across two Finals seasons, including the 2018 title. Chicago gets C because it received the documented $3.5 million payment but sacrificed the opportunity to use Bell itself. The player contribution gave the Warriors the better basketball result.