The Chicago Bulls made a shrewd decision late on Jan. 31, hopping into a trade between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings to acquire Dario Saric's contract and a pair of second-round picks. It was a smart piece of business that signals more moves may be coming between now and the Feb. 5 deadline.
In the deal first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, the Cavaliers sent De'Andre Hunter to Sacramento in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder.
The Bulls acquired Saric's $5.4 million expiring contract and two picks: a 2027 second-rounder from Cleveland (originally owned by the Denver Nuggets) and a 2029 second-round selection from the Kings (least favorable of Detroit, Milwaukee and New York).
Chicago absorbed Saric's salary into the $6.2 million trade exception from last year's Zach LaVine trade and waived Jevon Carter to make room on the roster.
Both of those picks will probably land near the end of the second round, but they're essentially two free draft assets. This is the kind of trade Chicago should be focused on -- and maybe it means more movement is coming.
The Bulls could be active at the trade deadline
The aforementioned deal is a sight for Bulls fans' sore eyes. It won't move the needle, but executive VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas used a tool he had at his disposal (cap space) to acquire something he needed (draft capital).
And Chicago remains involved in several other rumors.
Coby White is a hot name on the market. The Minnesota Timberwolves make sense as a destination for the 25-year-old guard.
Ayo Dosunmu is another trade candidate, although it seems less likely that he leaves the Windy City before Feb. 5. Dosunmu, also 25, is a logical fit on the Bulls roster next to Josh Giddey as a 3-and-D guard who also happens to be having the best year of his career.
Tre Jones is a third member of Chicago's backcourt who could be on the move in the next few days.
Karnisovas could also choose to buy rather than sell. New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi and San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan are young players who fill clear needs, fit the Bulls’ current timeline, and would be low-cost, high-upside fliers.
Chicago just earned itself two free draft picks. That's a positive long-term development, but it could also mean the Bulls are about to be active in the next five days.