Arturas Karnisovas is bringing a newfound fire into the 2026 NBA trade deadline. After completing his first deal of deadline season on Saturday night, one that saw the Bulls grab two late draft picks and absorb the expiring contract of Dario Saric, he has completed his second transaction today. In a three-team deal with the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago was more heavily involved in this one and added a low-risk, high-reward prospect who is only 23 years old and was once a top-five pick in the draft. According to Shams Charania, the Bulls add two players, send off two veterans, and add a youthful talent alongside Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.
Adding Jaden Ivey And Mike Conley
AK’s energy at the trade deadline this year is a breath of fresh air for fans in Chicago. He’s seemingly more aggressive, willingly pulling the trigger on multiple deals, and retooling the roster for the future. Although no big splash has been made, and if the deadline were over now, the Bulls would only net a 23-year-old on the last year of his rookie deal and two second-round draft picks, it’s infinitely more action than the fanbase has become accustomed to in recent years. Conley was more of a cap-clearing move, as his contract will expire this summer and he likely will not return, while Ivey presents an investment opportunity as a long-term shooting guard.
Bulls and Pistons have desires met here in a young and veteran guards to Chicago and a sharpshooter goes to Detroit. Minnesota creates significant tax savings and roster space as they pursue a Milwaukee star this week. https://t.co/u9FiTn4wTD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
Ivey’s minutes and production have dipped this season, which is part of the reason Chicago was able to snag him for an expiring Kevin Huerter, but his previous three campaigns saw averages of 30 minutes per night and 15 points per game. His downhill play style, speed, and athleticism will fit well with Giddey in the backcourt.
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Hinting At One More Move
This trade does one more thing for Chicago: it signals that they’re not done yet. By adding two more guards to an already guard-heavy roster, the assumption is that they’re either going to waive Conley to clear space or commit to a deal that ships off another guard. With the endless buzz surrounding Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, those are the two top candidates to be traded in the next 48 hours. Per CHSN’s K.C. Johnson, that’s exactly the plan for Karnisovas’s group.
Conley is an expiring deal. Jaden Ivey fits profile of recent acquisitions by management of young players with NBA experience. Bulls remain active on guard talks. https://t.co/J38p8XHnZL
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 3, 2026
The Bulls have arguably won two trades so far this trade cutoff, which would be two more successful deals than they’ve had in the last five seasons. If the front office can flip White or Dosunmu for promising prospects or draft stock, and add rim protection before Thursday’s deadline, will this be the first successful execution from this group of leadership in their seven-year tenure?
