Bryson Graham's acquisition of center Nic Claxton was one of the most under-the-radar trades this offseason, especially because Chicago's executive vice president of basketball operations didn't have to sacrifice much to get him.
However, Claxton's tenure in the Windy City hasn't quite gone the way either party planned. The 6-foot-11, 27-year-old big man did not suit up for the Bulls during the preseason because of a hamstring injury, and it has now been revealed that Claxton's ailment will keep him out into the regular season.
Head coach Tiago Splitter revealed on Monday afternoon that Claxton was ramping up his on-court work and will be out at least another two weeks.
"He's gonna start to work more and more, and then see slowly where he can play," Splitter said. "First, he's got to be able to practice with the team and go full speed, so he's still got a couple weeks."
The Bulls open the regular season on the road on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors and host the Washington Wizards in their home opener on Saturday. A two-week timetable would keep Claxton out for Chicago's next six games, with a possibility of returning on Monday, Nov. 2, against the Philadelphia 76ers.
In the meantime, Splitter plans to start Jalen Smith at center. The 6-foot-9 veteran has traditionally performed better as a power forward alongside a true big man. However, Smith started four games for the Bulls this preseason and is coming off one of the best seasons of his career.
Chicago also returns Zach Collins, who was projected to be the team's backup center but suffered a left quad injury at the start of training camp. Collins similarly did not play any preseason action, but aims to be back by the start of the regular season on Wednesday. Behind Claxton and Collins is undrafted two-way rookie Tobe Awaka. Otherwise, the Bulls experimented with small-ball lineups that featured athletic forwards Leonard Miller and Caleb Wilson during the preseason and could deploy a similar strategy.
The Bulls acquired Claxton in a three-team trade with the Brooklyn Nets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Claxton spent the previous seven seasons in Brooklyn and started 68 games in 2025-26. Last season, he averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 57.1% from the floor. Claxton's best year came in 2022-23, when he averaged 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.5 blocks per game on 70.5% shooting and placed ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Claxton missed nine games last season due to various injuries, namely his right hip, right ankle, right hand and right fifth finger. He also missed four games due to personal reasons or rest, though none due to his hamstring.