The Chicago Bulls have made a savvy move in the undrafted free agent market, signing former Missouri Tigers guard Caleb Grill to an Exhibit 10 contract following the 2025 NBA Draft. This signing, announced shortly after the draft concluded on June 26, 2025, adds a promising sharpshooter to the Bulls’ roster as they prepare for the upcoming NBA Summer League and beyond. Grill, a 6’3″ guard known for his perimeter shooting and defensive tenacity, brings a unique skill set that could bolster Chicago’s depth and provide a spark in their G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls.
Who is Caleb Grill?
Caleb Grill, a 25-year-old Wichita, Kansas native, wrapped up an impressive collegiate career at the University of Missouri. After transferring from Iowa State and spending two seasons with the Tigers, Grill earned the SEC Sixth Man of the Year Award in the 2024-25 season. His final college campaign was a breakout one, where he averaged career-highs of 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.1 assists per game across 29 appearances. His efficiency from beyond the arc was particularly notable, shooting 39.6% from three-point range and leading Mizzou with 78 made threes, ranking 44th nationally with 2.69 triples per game.
Grill’s physicality and versatility shone through at the NBA Draft Combine’s Elite Camp, where he led all participants with a 38-inch max vertical and a 2.7-second shuttle run. Described by ESPN analyst Jay Bilas as a player who “bullied his way to the free-throw line” with his aggressive style, Grill combines a high-release jump shot with strong on-ball defense, making him a classic “3-and-D” prospect.
The Exhibit 10 Deal: What It Means
Grill’s Exhibit 10 contract with the Bulls is a one-year, minimum-salary deal that offers him a chance to compete for a roster spot, likely starting with the Windy City Bulls in the G League. This type of contract includes a bonus if Grill spends at least 60 days with the G League affiliate and is waived by the NBA team, providing an incentive for him to develop his skills in the minors while staying within the Bulls’ system. With one of Chicago’s two-way contract slots reportedly still open, a strong performance in the Summer League, set to begin on July 10, 2025, could elevate Grill’s chances of securing a more permanent role.
How Grill Fits with the Bulls
The Bulls, coming off a 39-43 season and a Play-In Tournament loss to the Miami Heat, are in a transitional phase. With recent roster moves, including trading point guard Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers for forward Isaac Okoro and drafting forwards Noa Essengue (No. 12 overall) and Lachlan Olbrich (No. 55, two-way deal), Chicago is clearly prioritizing versatility and youth. However, the team also needed guard depth, especially after losing Ball, and Grill’s signing—alongside Villanova’s Wooga Poplar on another Exhibit 10 deal—addresses that need.
Grill’s sharpshooting aligns perfectly with the Bulls’ style under head coach Billy Donovan. Chicago was among the NBA’s highest-volume three-point shooting teams in 2024-25, and Grill’s 39.6% three-point accuracy and high-volume output (78 made threes) make him a natural fit. His defensive prowess, averaging 1.7 steals per game, adds value on the other end, complementing players like Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis. Grill’s ability to play off the ball and stretch the floor could provide spacing for Chicago’s young core, while his hustle and physicality align with the team’s gritty identity.
The Road Ahead
Grill’s immediate focus will be the NBA Summer League, where he’ll join Essengue, Olbrich, and potentially Poplar to showcase his skills. A strong showing could earn him minutes with the Bulls or a more prominent role with the Windy City Bulls. His journey mirrors that of other undrafted players who have carved out NBA careers through perseverance, and his resilience—evident in his transfer from UNLV to Iowa State to Mizzou—will serve him well in this competitive environment.
For Bulls fans, Grill represents an exciting low-risk, high-reward signing. His age (25) makes him one of the older prospects in the 2025 draft class, but it also means he brings maturity and experience to a young roster. If he can translate his college production to the professional level, Chicago may have found a hidden gem.
A New Chapter in the Windy City
Caleb Grill’s signing is a testament to the Bulls’ strategy of mining the undrafted market for talent that fits their system. As Grill himself said in an interview with ABC17 News, “Just being able to live out that dream of becoming a professional athlete was kind of a goal I’ve had ever since I was a little kid, and being able to achieve that… was something that was truly special.” With his sharpshooting, defensive grit, and relentless work ethic, Grill has a golden opportunity to make his mark in the NBA. Bulls fans will be watching closely as he takes the court in Las Vegas, hoping he can ignite the next chapter of Chicago’s rebuild.
