🚨 CHICAGO BULLS MAKING MOVES: Trade for Draft Picks and a Successful Swap with the Cavaliers 👇

After a period of anticipation, the Chicago Bulls have finally made moves to start the trade season, and while their latest trade might not be a headline-grabber, it’s a win for the team in the long run. The Bulls, alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings, facilitated a deal that saw Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder land in Cleveland, while DeAndre Hunter was sent to Sacramento. In return, Chicago netted two future second-round picks, sent out two-way signee Emanuel Miller, and absorbed Dario Šarić into their roster.

Bulls Step Into Facilitator Role and Acquire Draft Assets

While this trade doesn’t provide an immediate impact for the Bulls, it’s a smart move for a front office that’s often been criticized for neglecting to build up draft assets. By facilitating the deal, Chicago essentially acquired future capital without giving up key pieces from their core roster. The newly acquired second-round picks could play a critical role for the Bulls before the trade deadline if they choose to use them to further bolster their roster.

This trade also signals a shift for the Bulls, who have typically relied on player-for-player swaps in recent years. Although these moves might seem underwhelming at first, they have often paid off in the long run.

The Alex Caruso-for-Josh Giddey Trade: A Masterstroke for Chicago

One of the best examples of the Bulls’ successful trade strategy is the Alex Caruso-for-Josh Giddey swap, which was widely criticized when it first happened. Caruso was a fan favorite and a key defensive player for Chicago, so giving him up for Giddey raised eyebrows. However, in hindsight, this deal turned into a huge win for the Bulls.

Josh Giddey, who was a borderline All-Star this season, has played a central role in reshaping the Bulls’ offense. His passing and playmaking have been instrumental in Chicago’s offensive schemes, and Giddey has grown into a more dynamic scorer as well.

Lonzo Ball Trade: A Steal for the Bulls

Another trade that initially seemed questionable for the Bulls was the Lonzo Ball trade during the 2025 offseason, in which the Bulls sent Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for former fifth-overall pick Isaac Okoro. Ball, despite being an excellent two-way player, struggled with injuries, limiting his impact. He only played 35 games in the 2024-25 season, and his inability to stay on the court led the Bulls to move on from him.

At first, the trade felt light in return, especially since Ball was once considered a player with first-round value. But fast forward to February 2026, and the Okoro-for-Ball swap is looking like a massive win for Chicago.

Isaac Okoro’s Value to the Bulls

While Isaac Okoro isn’t lighting up the stat sheet — averaging 8.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game — his defensive versatility and ability to contribute efficiently on offense have made him an invaluable piece for the Bulls. Okoro has consistently guarded the opposing team’s top guards or wings and has become a reliable shooter, hitting 35.4 percent from beyond the arc. His low-maintenance style and defensive prowess fit well with the Bulls’ system, and his presence has been a stabilizing force for Chicago.

Lonzo Ball’s Struggles in Cleveland: A Reminder of the Bulls’ Wisdom

Meanwhile, Lonzo Ball has struggled mightily in Cleveland. The 6’6″ guard is averaging just 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, with a horrific 29.9 percent shooting from the field and 26.9 percent from three. His performance has been so poor that he ranks 460th in field-goal percentage among 450 NBA players on standard contracts. Ball’s decline has raised doubts about his future in Cleveland, and it’s likely that the Cavaliers, who recently added Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder, are moving on from him.

The Cavaliers’ Decision: A Move Toward Stability in the Backcourt

The Cavaliers’ decision to trade for Ellis and Schröder was likely influenced by Darius Garland’s injury struggles this season, leaving Cleveland in need of a more reliable option at point guard. With Ball’s struggles, it appears the Cavaliers will move on from him less than a year into his tenure, making the Bulls’ trade look even smarter in retrospect.

Final Thoughts: The Bulls’ Front Office Hits Another Win

Looking back at these moves, the Bulls’ front office has done an excellent job of making savvy trades that have paid dividends over time. While trades like Caruso-for-Giddey and Ball-for-Okoro didn’t look like home runs initially, they’ve proven to be solid long-term decisions.

As the Bulls continue to build their roster, moves like the trade for Dario Šarić and the acquisition of second-round picks will help provide the necessary depth and flexibility for future decisions. In a league where player-for-player trades often dominate, the Bulls are proving that sometimes the best deals aren’t always the flashiest — they’re the ones that pay off when given time to unfold.

Stay tuned as the Bulls continue to make moves and plan for the future with their increasingly valuable assets.