Bulls Navigate Trade Deadline, Prioritize Youth Development
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Bulls appear to be shifting their focus toward developing a young core, while remaining open to facilitating deals for other teams. Recent moves and comments from team leadership suggest a departure from previous attempts to quickly contend in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls were involved in a three-team trade on , sending De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings and receiving veteran center/forward Dario Šarić and two future second-round picks from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The deal also saw Keon Ellis, Dennis Schröder, and Bulls two-way forward Emanuel Miller head to Cleveland. Chicago used a trade exception from last year’s Zach LaVine deal to complete the transaction.
This trade brought the Bulls back to having eight expiring contracts, including that of veteran guard Jevon Carter, who was waived to create roster space for Šarić. According to reports, Bulls vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas has emphasized the flexibility provided by these expiring contracts.
The Bulls’ current young core consists of Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Noa Essengue, all age 23 or younger. The team envisions a future built around these players, with Essengue potentially playing multiple positions and complementing Giddey and Buzelis.
While focused on youth, the Bulls recognize a need for improvement at the center position. They have reportedly shown interest in New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi, whose playing time has recently decreased, averaging 5.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 43 appearances this season.
Ayo Dosunmu has emerged as a valuable asset for the Bulls, averaging a career-high 14.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 44.1 percent from three-point range – a top-10 mark in the NBA – before a 29-point performance in a win against the Miami Heat on . One league source indicated there is mutual interest between Dosunmu and the Bulls regarding a potential contract extension, though the Bulls are reportedly open to considering offers for the guard.
Dosunmu’s current contract expires at the end of the season, and his next deal is projected to be in the range of $15.1 million annually. His portability makes him a potential trade piece that could align with the Bulls’ plans.
The situation with Coby White is less clear. The Bulls have reportedly struggled to secure a first-round pick in potential trades involving the seventh-year guard, potentially due to his expiring contract and recent calf issues.
Despite the shift in focus, Karnišovas’ frequent use of the word “compete” has left some fans skeptical, fearing the team will continue to pursue marginal playoff contention. However, the recent trade and emphasis on youth suggest a potential change in direction, with the Bulls potentially prioritizing long-term development over short-term gains.
Sunday’s trade was described as a step in the right direction, potentially signaling a willingness from Karnišovas to prioritize acquiring assets and building for the future, “one second-rounder at a time.”
