Yesterday afternoon, the Chicago Bulls announced two names that’ll be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign. While this might only be ten games that’re largely meaningless in the long haul, both injuries might carry more significance as the team pivots to continue the rebuild project this summer. The Bulls finished in the top 10 leaguewide in games missed due to injury this season, per Statmuse, and struggled to maintain a consistent product, which contributed to the dysfunction between the lines. Luckily, only Noa Essengue’s left shoulder injury will take several months to recover from, and the rest are considered minor. In the cases of Jaden Ivey and Jalen Smith, here’s how it impacts Chicago’s long-term plans.
Trade Deadline Addition Fizzled Out
Jaden Ivey’s injury and his entire tenure with the Bulls were tough to watch. When he was acquired from the Detroit Pistons, fans thought they were adding a potential running mate to Josh Giddey for many years. Ivey is only 24 years old and averaged over 16 points per game in his first three seasons with Detroit before being derailed in his final year by a broken left fibula, followed by knee surgery prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign. He hasn’t looked like the same explosive, downhill force ever since, and he’s been the first to admit it. In one of the more disheartening sound bites of the season, he spoke on his inability to return to his prior self.
Ivey was asked for clarification if he was indicating that there are more steps to take, health wise, before returning to his old athletic self.
“I’ve been dealing with knee soreness in my knee. I’m sure people can call it out — I’m not the same player I used to be. That’s why.…
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) February 20, 2026
Even though Ivey had to pass a physical to execute the trade to Chicago, this would’ve been something Karnisovas should’ve delved more into before committing to this deal. Instead, one of the most exciting adds at the deadline quickly became a horror story and unfortunate whiff of a deal, and will likely result in the former Purdue Boilermaker hitting free agency this summer. This offseason, he’ll be a restricted free agent. AK’s history suggests he will extend the guard despite all the red flags, but the smart move would be to cut ties, citing unavoidable injury deterioration.
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Jalen Smith Will Stay As Long As He Wants
Chicago’s plan with Smith should be the exact opposite of Ivey’s. At only 26 years old and a proven stretch-five threat in either the starting center role or coming off the pine, he’s provided a stable offensive threat while providing solid rim-protection. In stretches this season, he also demonstrated the ability to play alongside an inside center and run a two-big system, further enhancing his value. He’s locked down through next season and will become an unrestricted free agent in the 2027 offseason. If he’s willing to stick with the franchise through a muddy rebuild phase, he should be granted an extension. The timeline fits closely with Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey; the fit is ideal, and the versatility is undeniable.
Bulls are 18-13 with Jalen Smith this season, 0-7 without him.
He has a +14.6 on/off swing, grades out as a top-75 offensive player in the best metrics, and leads the team by far in Darko/DPM. Why is he only playing 17 minutes per game? Needs to be up to 30 with Collins out. pic.twitter.com/Hz09hJdpxm
— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) January 12, 2026
In a season that was solely focused on finding assets to invest in beyond this season, Smith has proven his worth and earned his spot. Does Karnisovas see the value in his stretch-big, or does he opt to move on for someone younger in his place? The lack of centers on the roster and the immediate impact the former Indiana Pacers has had on Chicago since his arrival leans heavily toward the narrative that he’s here to stay.
One injury may mark the last time Ivey represents the Chicago Bulls, while the other is a precaution to protect a future investment in Smith. Would you gamble on Ivey despite his injury history, or let him walk this summer and admit failure on another trade deadline disaster?
