🚨 COLLINS SEXTON SHINING FOR THE BULLS: THE SURPRISE CONTRIBUTOR AMONG A CROWDED BACKCOURT AT THE TRADE DEADLINE 👇

CHICAGO, IL – When the Chicago Bulls made moves at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, they brought in four guards: Jaden Ivey, Rob Dillingham, Anfernee Simons, and Collin Sexton. Each of these players had varying degrees of expectations, but as the season progresses, it’s Collin Sexton—arguably the most unheralded addition of the four—who is making the strongest case to stick around in Chicago long term.

Ivey, the highly touted No. 5 pick in the 2022 draft, was expected to be a potential game-changer for the Bulls, but his development has been hindered by injury. After a strong season in 2024, Ivey broke his fibula, and since then, his athleticism and explosion have not quite returned to pre-injury form. Despite that, the Bulls took a gamble on Ivey, hoping that time would heal his injury and bring back his dynamic playmaking.

Then there’s Dillingham, a former No. 8 overall pick, whose ability to break down defenders off the dribble is second to none on the Bulls’ roster. The 20-year-old has tremendous potential but has struggled to translate that into consistent NBA minutes.

Anfernee Simons, an established scoring talent who averaged 19.2 points and 4.2 assists over the past three seasons, was another acquisition designed to bolster Chicago’s offense. However, Simons has not been able to find his rhythm with his new team, and injuries have limited his impact since the trade.

Yet, despite these flashy names, it’s Collin Sexton—a 27-year-old guard on his third team in two years—who is making the strongest case to remain in Chicago long-term. A lot of people assumed Sexton would simply finish out the season before moving on as an unrestricted free agent, but he has silenced those critics with his performance.

Sexton’s Resurgence: A Bright Spot for Chicago

Collin Sexton’s NBA journey hasn’t been smooth sailing, but his recent stretch with the Bulls shows why he was once considered a top pick in the draft. The 27-year-old was selected with the 8th overall pick in the 2018 draft and has steadily increased his production with each team he’s been on. However, after a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz and eventually the Bulls, many thought his best days were behind him.

But since joining the Bulls on February 5, Sexton has been a revelation, quickly becoming one of their most important contributors. He’s currently the second-leading scorer on the team, averaging 16.2 points per game in 301 minutes played. Sexton’s role has been steadily increasing, and he’s becoming a key figure in Chicago’s offense, especially with Ivey and Simons sidelined with injuries.

His efficiency is impressive, particularly in his scoring and shooting percentages. Sexton is shooting 38.8 percent from three-point range on 67 attempts, and he’s third on the team in free-throw attempts, hitting 81.1 percent of them. His ability to score efficiently and keep defenses honest has made him a critical part of the Bulls’ offense.

In his last four games, Sexton has been on fire, averaging 25.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 steals, while shooting nearly 60 percent from the field and a scorching 47 percent from three on 8.0 attempts per game. His performance in back-to-back games against the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, where he scored 28 points on 9-of-12 shooting (7-of-9 from three) and 30 points with five assists, has given the Bulls much-needed offensive production.

A Crucial Decision for Chicago: Keep Sexton or Let Him Walk?

With Sexton’s impressive showing, the Bulls now face an important decision this offseason. As an unrestricted free agent, Sexton could very well test the market, and given his resurgence, he will likely demand more than the Bulls might be willing to offer. However, with his recent form, the Bulls will have to think long and hard about re-signing him to a deal that fits their future plans.

Sexton’s contributions have come at a critical time for Chicago, as Jaden Ivey remains out with knee soreness and Simons has struggled to stay healthy. Sexton’s ability to carry the offensive load, especially as a scorer, has filled a significant gap in the Bulls’ rotation. His versatility in playing off the ball while still being a dynamic creator with the ball in his hands has allowed the Bulls to maintain some offensive consistency, which has been hard to come by for the team this season.

The Bulls’ Struggles and Missed Opportunities

As for the other trade acquisitions, Simons, despite his impressive track record with the Portland Trail Blazers, has been limited to just six games with the Bulls, shooting an uncharacteristically low 32.0 percent from three. His wrist injury has kept him sidelined since February 21, further hindering his ability to make an impact.

Meanwhile, Jaden Ivey, who had shown potential in his time with the Bulls, has only appeared in four games this season, with concerns about his knee injury growing. There’s even a possibility that Ivey may not play again this season, leaving the Bulls with an unfulfilled investment in a talented young guard.

Lastly, Rob Dillingham has failed to gain significant minutes under head coach Billy Donovan, primarily remaining on the bench despite the Bulls’ struggles. The lack of confidence from the coaching staff in Dillingham suggests that the Bulls’ trade deadline decisions are continuing to backfire.

Collin Sexton’s Future in Chicago

With so many questions surrounding the future of Ivey, Simons, and Dillingham, Collin Sexton’s resurgence is one of the few positive developments for Chicago. His strong play and leadership could force the Bulls to reconsider their approach to free agency this summer. Sexton’s performance over the past month will likely have a direct impact on his future with the Bulls, and if he continues to perform at this level, he could earn a long-term spot in Chicago.

In the bigger picture, the Bulls are facing difficult decisions in an offseason that will shape their future. Do they stick with Sexton and build around his talents, or do they let him go and move forward with their other young players? The next few weeks will be crucial for Sexton, the Bulls, and their franchise’s direction.

Summary:
Collin Sexton has emerged as one of the Chicago Bulls’ most valuable assets following the 2026 trade deadline acquisitions, becoming the team’s second-leading scorer with impressive performances in recent games. With Jaden Ivey sidelined and Anfernee Simons dealing with injuries, Sexton’s offensive spark and efficiency have been vital to the Bulls’ success. As he heads toward free agency, Sexton’s future in Chicago will depend on his continued performance and the team’s ability to manage their financial flexibility moving forward.