Bulls have checked in on Zion Williamson, Bennedict Mathurin

The Bulls are still very much open for business.

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports the Bulls view the two future second-round picks they picked up for facilitating Sunday’s Cavaliers-Kings deal as useful currency in additional trades this week.

Executive VP Arturas Karnisovas has remained aggressive in talks, and sources told Cowley that approach has not changed as the deadline nears.

Roster math is part of it. The Bulls have eight potential free agents this summer, including Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu.

Cowley hears Chicago has explored the market for White, who is expected to seek a sizable raise, but rival teams have shown more interest in Dosunmu and Tre Jones, who are viewed as more affordable.

White has been discussed with the Timberwolves and Rockets, and Cowley notes the door “wasn’t completely shut” with either club.

Karnisovas has also checked in with the Pelicans about Zion Williamson and Yves Missi, and has called on Bennedict Mathurin of the Pacers.

Longer term, the Bulls are focused on building around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Noa Essengue, according to The Athletic’s Joel Lorenzi. Despite Essengue’s season-ending shoulder injury, the organization still views him as a future starter and defensive anchor.

Chicago has also signaled it is willing to continue facilitating trades if it means adding more assets.