Chicago, February 6, 2026
The Chicago Bulls executed a significant roster overhaul at the NBA trade deadline, completing seven deals and parting with eight players. Key trades included hometown guard Ayo Dosunmu to the Timberwolves and veteran center Nikola Vucevic to the Celtics. This strategy is aimed at acquiring young talent and draft picks while shedding salary. The total number of future second-round picks received reached nine, highlighting a clear shift towards rebuilding the team around a younger core for the future.
Chicago
Bulls Overhaul Roster with Seven Deals, Eight Players Departed at NBA Trade Deadline
The Chicago Bulls made significant changes to their roster at the recent NBA trade deadline, executing seven separate deals and seeing eight players depart by the close of the trading period on February 6, 2026. This aggressive overhaul signals a strategic shift for the franchise, aiming to acquire young talent and draft capital while shedding salary.
Key Player Movements and Acquisitions
Among the most notable moves, the Bulls traded hometown guard Ayo Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, Chicago acquired 2024 first-round pick Rob Dillingham, third-year forward Leonard Miller, and four future second-round draft picks. Dosunmu, 26, was in his fifth season with the Bulls and was averaging 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 45 games, shooting 51.4% from the field and 45.1% from three-point range. This trade provides Minnesota with scoring depth and ball-handling capabilities off the bench. The four second-round picks received by the Bulls include a 2026 pick (least favorable of Denver/Golden State), a 2027 pick (via Cavaliers), a 2031 pick (more favorable of Minnesota/Golden State), and a 2032 pick (more favorable of Phoenix/Houston).
Another major departure saw veteran center Nikola Vucevic traded to the Boston Celtics. As part of this transaction, the Bulls received guard Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick. Guard Coby White was also moved in a deal to the Charlotte Hornets, which brought guard Collin Sexton and forward Ousmane Dieng to Chicago, along with additional second-round picks. Following his trade, Mike Conley Jr., who was part of the Coby White deal, was waived by the Hornets.
The Bulls were particularly active in accumulating draft assets, acquiring a total of nine second-round picks through their various transactions. The strategy also involved shedding salary and adding young talent. Other key moves included sending Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric (who was initially acquired from a three-team trade involving Sacramento and Cleveland for Emanuel Miller and two second-round picks) to receive guard Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr.. Mike Conley Jr. was later included in the trade package for Coby White. Additionally, the Bulls traded Dalen Terry for forward Guerschon Yabusele. Forward Ousmane Dieng, initially acquired in the Coby White deal, was subsequently traded for center Nick Richards.
Strategic Direction
This flurry of activity marks a clear shift in the team’s direction, with the front office focusing on rebuilding around a younger core and preparing for future draft and free agency periods. The moves aim to set the team up for the future and address frustrated fans. While some fans expressed disappointment at the departure of popular players, the overall objective is to build a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. The acquisition of young players like Jaden Ivey, Anfernee Simons, Rob Dillingham, and Leonard Miller indicates a focus on developing new talent.
FAQ
Q: How many deals did the Chicago Bulls make at the NBA trade deadline?
A: The Chicago Bulls made seven separate deals at the NBA trade deadline.
Q: How many players did the Chicago Bulls part with?
A: The Chicago Bulls parted with eight players at the NBA trade deadline.
Q: When did the NBA trade deadline pass?
A: The NBA trade deadline passed on February 6, 2026.
Q: Which prominent player did the Bulls trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves?
A: The Bulls traded guard Ayo Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Q: What did the Bulls receive in the Ayo Dosunmu trade?
A: In the Ayo Dosunmu trade, the Bulls received 2024 first-round pick Rob Dillingham, third-year forward Leonard Miller, and four future second-round draft picks.
Q: Which veteran center did the Bulls trade to the Boston Celtics?
A: The Bulls traded veteran center Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics.
Q: What did the Bulls acquire in return for Nikola Vucevic?
A: In return for Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls acquired guard Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick.
Q: How many second-round picks did the Bulls acquire in total at the deadline?
A: The Bulls acquired a total of nine second-round picks at the trade deadline.
Q: What was the primary goal of the Bulls’ trade deadline activity?
A: The primary goal was to acquire young talent, draft capital, shed salary, and shift the team’s direction towards rebuilding around a younger core for the future.
Chicago Bulls NBA Trade Deadline 2026: Key Features
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Deals Executed | 7 |
| Players Departed | 8 (including Ayo Dosunmu, Julian Phillips, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, Dario Saric, Dalen Terry, Emanuel Miller) |
| Key Players Acquired | Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, Jaden Ivey, Mike Conley Jr., Guerschon Yabusele, Nick Richards |
| Total Second-Round Picks Acquired | 9 |
| Date of Deadline | February 6, 2026 |
| Strategic Goal | Acquire young talent, draft capital, shed salary, and rebuild around a younger core. |
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