Another Indicator That The Chicago Bulls Will Be Trade Deadline Sellers

Arturas Karnisovas has led the charge in Chicago’s front office since April of 2020. He’s been at the helm for five NBA Drafts, five summer offseason periods, and four trade deadlines. During his tenure, the Bulls have had a 1-4 postseason standing in their one playoff appearance. With that lack of success, many would assume they’ve had several chances at selecting in the top-five, or at least top-ten, come draft night. To perfectly summarize how mediocre the Chicago Bulls have been over the past five seasons, the only time they selected in the top ten was in 2020, which was the draft positioning he inherited. Since then, there have been zero top-ten picks and one playoff game won. In that first year as the front office leader, he selected Patrick Williams fourth overall, who is arguably one of the biggest draft busts in Bulls history. Despite the embarrassing performance thus far, Karnisovas has a chance to redeem himself entirely in the next two months.

Seven Players On Expiring Contracts

On yesterday’s episode of the CHGO Bulls Podcast, Matt Peck and Will Gottlieb reminded the masses of the Bulls’ current contractual situation headed into a pivotal trade deadline. As they mentioned, nearly half of the roster is on expiring contracts. Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Nikola Vucevic highlight a group of players who can contribute to winning franchises and are versatile enough to fit with any contender in search of help. With Chicago pacing to miss the postseason again this season, does Karnisovas turn on the jets and gain some value from these depreciating assets before they walk this summer with no return?

Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu headline SEVEN Bulls players on expiring contracts as we enter NBA Trade Season.

Should AK be an aggressive seller of his most valuable assets?

????️ @Bulls_Peck & @Will_Gottlieb pic.twitter.com/GBzYoCd6vZ

— CHGO Bulls (@CHGO_Bulls) December 16, 2025

Being aggressive at a trade deadline would be a complete change of pace for Karnisovas and the front office. Last season, dealing away Zach LaVine was a total shock, and didn’t net much outside of escaping his monstrous contract. A contract that Karnisovas regrettably inked him to, not to be forgotten. In his first year with the organization, he sold a massive haul of future stock for Vucevic, and has been highly reluctant to execute any other deals, since it’s still negatively impacting the franchise today.

Vucevic, White Have To Go

At a bare minimum, two of Chicago’s longest tenured players must go. Vucevic is 35 years old, hitting unrestricted free agency after the season, and will not return. Gaining any value, whether it’s youthful assets or draft capital, is priority number one for Karnisovas. White, who’s also slated to hit unrestricted free agency, should be traded away, too. His price tag will surely at least double when signing his next deal, and with the Bulls far from contention, there’s no value in paying him a steep price to stick around. His value on the market should net a decent return, given that he is just 25 years old and one of the best scoring and playmaking young guards in the NBA. A more complete roster will be eager to add his services and make a deep playoff run.

Anthony Davis trade idea per @ZachLowe_NBA:

Bulls Receive: Anthony Davis

Mavs Receive: Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, Portland 1st round pick, Bulls 1st round pick.

“This would almost be like a free agency signing”

Core: Giddey/Ayo/Okoro/Matas/AD pic.twitter.com/iIbW9LpduX

— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@Bullsfans) November 12, 2025

Bulls fans are growing tired of the endless mediocrity. A fire sale at the deadline would at least ignite hope that the team has chosen a direction, is fully committed to finding a new superstar via a top-end draft selection, or landing a massive free agent, and can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Does Karnisovas silence the phones for yet another trade deadline, or will he finally let it loose and tear the entire thing down?