Chicago Sports Network sideline reporter K.C. Johnson’s latest edition of The Fastbreak featured a flurry of updates in the trade arena. The Chicago Bulls have been among the most frequently mentioned teams in several trades around the league. With several expiring contracts, an imminent rebuild phase on the horizon, and another season destined to miss the postseason, several reports say that Arturas Karnisovas will have his most active trade deadline ever. While the entire month of January is about distinguishing what smoke is from what has substance, the general notion is that Chicago will make at least a few moves. Coby White and Nikola Vucevic are two prime suspects, both with expiring contracts and not ideal long-term fits. They’ve been the most highly cited names on the roster in potential deals. Here’s what Johnson can confirm as the trade deadline nears.
Most Likely Out On Kuminga
Earlier this week, Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending injury. This impacts more than just the Warriors and may also affect how Chicago navigates the trade deadline. Since the Warriors will likely need their young forward, Jonathan Kuminga, to play a larger part in contending for the postseason for the remainder of the year, he’s likely off the table. In addition, Johnson said talks about Vucevic and the Warriors are nonexistent and shouldn’t be given any weight.
Mike Dunleavy on the Jonathan Kuminga trade demand: “I’m aware of that. In terms of demands, when you make a demand there needs to be demand.” pic.twitter.com/XOGXj3HFrs
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 21, 2026
Defending Arturas Karnisovas
Anyone within CHSN who is closely partnered with the Chicago Bulls will never speak overly ill of the organization or its members. This has been made evident by Stacey King, K.C. Johnson, and others over the years through their constant support of Billy Donovan and Arturas Karnisovas, and their regrettable contracts with players. In this instance, Johnson makes a good case for Karnisovas. While many would agree that these three moves do not dismiss other factors that have set the franchise back by 5 or more years, there has been some improvement in the front office lately. Acquiring Isaac Okoro, Josh Giddey, and shipping off Zach LaVine were three moves that benefited the current and future state of the Chicago Bulls.
BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V3t12MA3Uo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024
Silence Is Telling
After his episode ended, with no ties to the Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, or any solidified evidence around White or Vucevic, don’t be surprised if the Bulls aren’t as active as the market suggests. With a source as close as Johnson, if anything had transpired or were in the works, this would’ve been his opportunity to share. He briefly glossed over the fact that the Bulls have a myriad of expiring contracts, but didn’t give any examples of teams that have been contacted or players targeted.
Some updates on this today, as @JCowleyHoops confirms that the Bulls and Pelicans have discussed a trade centered around Zion Williamson.
Chicago will be active at the trade deadline. https://t.co/5Gfu5dClZN
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) January 21, 2026
While buzz from outside sources continues to grow, the person closest to the organization has not made any statements regarding potential deals. With the Bulls only a handful of games out of playoff seeding in the standings, and having suffered more injuries than the majority of the league, Karnisovas remaining stagnant or making minimal moves is a very real possibility.
