The Chicago Bulls underwent a significant roster overhaul today, , trading guards Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. To the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and three second-round draft picks. The move, announced by ESPN sources, signals a shift in direction for the Bulls as they approach Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
Bulls Rebuild, Hornets Bolster Play-In Push
The trade of White, a lottery pick in 2019 and the Bulls’ longest-tenured player, comes as he is set to become a free agent this summer. He had been averaging 18.6 points and 4.7 assists in 29 games this season, shooting 44% from the field. Conley, recently acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a three-team deal involving the Detroit Pistons, also heads to Charlotte. The Bulls acquired Conley on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in a move initially framed as a cap space clearing maneuver for Minnesota.
In return, Chicago receives Collin Sexton, averaging 14.2 points on 48% shooting in 42 games this season, and Ousmane Dieng, the No. 11 pick in the 2022 draft. Dieng was initially acquired by the Hornets from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Mason Plumlee before being rerouted to Chicago. Dieng, still 22 years old, is averaging 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds in approximately 11 minutes per game for the Thunder. The Bulls also secured three second-round draft picks: the least favorable pick between Denver and Charlotte in 2029, and two in 2031 – a New York Knicks pick and a Denver Nuggets pick.
The Hornets, currently on a seven-game winning streak and having won eight of their last nine games, are looking to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament picture. They trail the Bulls by one game for the No. 10 seed. The acquisition of White, a proven scorer, is intended to bolster their offensive capabilities. White has averaged 19.1, 20.5, and 18.5 points per game over his last three seasons with Chicago.
Bulls’ Active Trade Deadline
This trade is the latest in a flurry of activity for the Bulls leading up to the deadline. On Tuesday, , the team traded two-time All-Star center Nikola Vučević to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick. They also acquired Jaden Ivey, along with Conley, in the three-team trade with the Pistons and Timberwolves. These moves addressed an imbalanced roster and a surplus of guards, including Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, and Ayo Dosunmu, in addition to White, Ivey, and Simons.
The Bulls’ moves suggest a strategic pivot towards a younger core, with the addition of Ivey, Simons, and Dieng. Dieng’s age and potential align with this timeline. The team’s activity indicates a willingness to sacrifice immediate playoff contention for long-term development and asset accumulation.
Conley’s Brief Stint in Chicago
Mike Conley’s time with the Bulls was remarkably short-lived. Acquired just one day prior, his inclusion in the trade to Charlotte raised speculation about a potential buyout and return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, as suggested by NBA insider Jake Fischer. Conley, at 38 years old, brings veteran leadership to the Hornets.
Hornets’ Roster Enhancement
For the Hornets, the acquisition of White and Conley adds experienced ball-handling and scoring to a roster that already includes LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller. White’s scoring prowess, despite being limited to 29 games this season due to calf problems, is expected to be a valuable asset. The Hornets are hoping these additions will be enough to propel them into the play-in tournament and beyond.
The Hornets also received the least favorable 2029 second-round pick between the Hawks and Heat from the Thunder as part of the deal that brought them Dieng. This further sweetens the deal for Charlotte, providing additional draft capital.
The Bulls’ aggressive trade deadline activity signals a clear intention to rebuild and retool their roster, while the Hornets are betting on immediate improvement with the addition of two experienced guards.
