Tuesday, February 3, 2026

New Trade Rumor Has All-NBA Center Going To Chicago

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The Chicago Bulls have become one of the most commonly named landing spots for any trade rumors. This is because they have a large amount of cap flexibility on the horizon, no All-Star players on the roster, and a stellar supporting cast lacking a clear star performer. Josh Giddey has played at an All-NBA level this year, but lacks the closing gene and ability to take over the game in late scenarios. First, it was Anthony Davis, then it moved to LaMelo Ball, and now a third All-NBA caliber player has been floated as the next potential Chicago Bull. Should they entertain bringing in a new All-Star talent, and how much are they willing to sacrifice for a win-now asset?

Domantas Sabonis Tied To Chicago

The Sacramento Kings have been a mess so far this season. They are 5-13 through 18 games, and questions are being asked. How do they possess solely win-now talent, yet are severely underperforming? They are one of the five oldest rosters in the league, with an average age of over 28 years. For perspective, the Bulls average is 25.2 years old. Removing Nikola Vucevic, a 35-year-old, would drastically reduce this figure and leave the franchise with only one player over 30. With Sacramento’s lackluster start, many are wondering if they’re on the brink of a fire sale. Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook, and Sabonis are all aging candidates who could be shipped for draft capital or youthful assets.

Chicago would likely send Vucevic, a young guard, and draft capital to acquire Sabonis. He has averaged over 19 points and 12 rebounds in each of the last few seasons, but his defense has suffered. Last season, he was in the bottom five for starting centers in defensive rating and opposing field goal percentage allowed. Replacing Vucevic with Sabonis would not make sense for the Bulls.

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Chicago Should Not Entertain This Offer

If the Kings reach out to Arturas Karnisovas and company, they should dismiss any offers surrounding the 29-year-old center. While they would get younger at the position, they’d absorb a less efficient three-point shooter, a similarly disastrous rim-protector, and add another lineup piece that operates best with the ball in his hands. His offensive archetype and production are similar to Giddey, averaging nearly a triple-double, distributing to surrounding scorers, and primarily controlling the rock during offensive possessions. He and Giddey’s styles would clash, not improving the Bulls’ offensive output.

Much aligned with the possibility of trading for the previous two All-NBA talents, Chicago should pass on this one. He similarly does not fit the needs of the roster, would come at too steep a cost, and would be more expensive in the future than other options with a better fit.

Ryan Dauterive
Ryan Dauterive
A former Iowa State University standout and Soaring Hawk Award winner, I bring over three years of Bulls coverage and 475 published articles of experience, reaching over than half a million readers. I cover all aspects of the Chicago Bulls, from breaking news and trade rumors to draft analysis and player scouting.

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