From Another Play-In Push to Draft Dreams: The Bulls’ Strategic Pivot Toward 2027

The Chicago Bulls have become an entirely different group in the last 30 days. After seven trades, another head-scratching presser from Arturas Karnisovas, and finally committing to a significant step out of the middle of the pack, the franchise is headed in a whole new direction with a completely unrecognizable bunch. After the trade deadline, they ended with a surplus of guards, several newcomers set to become free agents in a few months, and a handful of injuries that the Bulls have opted to take the safe route on, sidelining many essential pieces for the remainder of the season. They’re currently on a nine-game losing streak and have not won a game in February. Over the last 13, they are 1-12, and the goal of sliding in the standings is being executed to perfection. Unlike the last three seasons, Chicago has shifted away from pushing for the playoffs and a spot in the play-in tournament and is solely focused on improving its draft positioning. Here’s what the new-look Bulls are doing for the organization’s future, and what assets are vying for a long-term spot.

The Tank Is On

While it may not be as obvious as some other clubs around the Association, Chicago’s lone goal for the remainder of the year is to slide as far down in the NBA standings as possible. So far, so good in that realm. They’ve fallen from 10th in the Eastern Conference to 12th, and are a handful of losses away from having the seventh-best lottery odds. As painful as it is to witness the consistent losing, the entire fanbase knows this is the best way to finish the year to benefit the future. With a loaded 2026 NBA Draft class and a summer that will feature heaps of draft capital, pending cap room, and arguably the most roster flexibility leaguewide, the future is full of uncertainty and has limitless possibilities for building around Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey.

Bulls now only 1.5 games behind the Grizzlies in the tank race and have 2 games remaining against the Grizzlies. Top 8 odds (26% chance at a top 4 pick) are possible!

— kev (@NBACouchside) February 23, 2026

Zach Collins has been shut down for the season, Jaden Ivey is sidelined for at least two weeks, and Anfernee Simons is out for the foreseeable future as things continue to spiral away from a winning product in the Windy City.

Developing The Youngest Players

Much of the backlash since the trade deadline has been around Billy Donovan and his staff failing to maximize the opportunity to effectively hold auditions for their youngest newcomers. As one of the only newly acquired players that is under contract beyond this season, many are perplexed as to why Rob Dillingham is not being granted more minutes, or being thrusted into the starting five. He was considered one of the most raw and explosive guards at the deadline, and his minutes have been sporadic. Ivey was initially seen as one of the surefire peices to build around, but after recently admitting that he’s not the same player as he was before an injury suffered in January of 2025, that’s in jeopardy. Will Donovan ditch is typical tough-love coaching style for his youngest players, and let them develop while the record isn’t consequential to the goal for the 2025-26 campaign?

Rob Dillingham’s elusiveness and ball-handling is undeniable.

Obviously, yes, he has a lot to polish and size remains a concern. But he just played 20+ MINs in 3-straight games for the first time in his career.

Bulls should be letting him run wild the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/FU7QYn9XC3

— Elias Schuster (@Schuster_Elias) February 12, 2026

After watching a product that has laughably tried to compete for deep postseason runs with a mediocre bunch over the past five years, Bulls fans are finally witnessing a new future strategy unfold. How far can Chicago slide in the standings, and can they find some draft lottery luck this offseason that would change the trajectory of their entire franchise?