One Non-Negotiable Thing The Bulls Must Do Before The Trade Deadline

With under a week to go before the 2026 trade cutoff, the Bulls have become one of the most unpredictable situations. With the most expiring contracts of any team, at risk of a fourth consecutive play-in tournament berth, and not having a top-ten pick or playoff appearance since 2021, every possibility is on the table. There have been reports confirming and denying that the Bulls will be trading assets like Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu. One thing is for certain: Arturas Karnisovas must make this one move before next week’s deadline.

Need Rim-Protection

Suppose the proposition is that Chicago makes only one acquisition at the deadline. What should it be? The only correct answer is a young, athletic center with rim-protection. This move does a few things. It’s a win-win for both the current group pushing for playoff contention and the long-term rebuild project. It helps limit Vucevic’s minutes, as he’s clearly shown weaknesses when forced to play extended minutes for stretches of games. This also gives insurance to the revolving injuries between Zach Collins and his 38 games missed, and Jalen Smith’s seven games absent. When either has been sidelined, which has been nearly the entire season, Vucevic is forced to play more, and the team defense takes a massive hit. In the year, Chicago ranks 25th in points allowed in the paint.

If the Bulls are seriously considering buying, why wouldn't they at least cut someone (Dalen/Jevon) and sign another center right now? They have two bigs on the roster with Collins hurt, and he's still gonna be out for a while. Now more injury trouble for Jalen. https://t.co/35kxkFYmbB

— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) January 30, 2026

Yves Missi Is The First Target

According to several reports and what has been seen regarding Chicago’s front office over the last week, the Bulls want to add young, athletic players who help win now. Yves Missi checks that box at only 21 years old and hasn’t been as involved in New Orleans since Derik Queen’s arrival. The Pelicans have been open about selling assets and might let Missi go for a small return that benefits their future. Could Dalen Terry and low-grade draft capital get the deal done?

Thoughts on these two Bulls-Pelicans frameworks that send Yves Missi to Chicago?

(via @GuigoNoBaska / https://t.co/EzrHobw7ZV) pic.twitter.com/PSXYi0SXCH

— Fanspo (@fanspo) January 21, 2026

However, the next six days play out, and regardless of whether Karnisovas chooses the selling or buying route, rim-protection is a non-negotiable must-add. With more backlash toward the front office than the previous season and the most leaguewide attention on the Bulls than ever before, does AK change his patterns, and is he operating at what could be his final trade deadline?