Bulls linked to sudden sign-and-trade deal that could net surprising haul

Imagn Images

Bulls linked to sudden sign-and-trade deal that could net surprising haul

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated May 2, 2026 7:39 PM ET

Back at the NBA trade deadline, the Chicago Bulls traded guard Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng and a pair of second-round picks. Dieng was then re-routed to the Milwaukee Bucks, so with Sexton headed toward free agency, the Bulls’ haul was basically just two second-rounders.

Or was it?

Sexton should draw considerable interest on the open market this summer, and while Chicago is not expected to re-sign the floor general, it could still extract some value out of him even if he departs via free agency.

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz has pitched a rather intriguing idea as far as Sexton is concerned, stating that the Bulls could potentially send him elsewhere in a sign-and-trade deal. That way, Chicago would still be able to net something in return for him.

Could the Chicago Bulls pull off a sign-and-trade with Collin Sexton?

Apr 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) reacts to a call during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Typically, sign-and-trades occur when a contender cannot afford to sign the player outright, so the team then turns to a trade to make the acquisition come to fruition.

There will surely be some contending ballclubs interested in Sexton this offseason, as he averaged 15.4 points, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals over 23.7 minutes per game on 48.5/40.1/85.5 shooting splits during the 2025-26 campaign. He managed a true-shooting percentage of 61.5 percent and registered 23.4 points per 36 minutes, displaying his microwave scoring ability.

You would also think Sexton would prefer to land with a contender at this stage given that he is now eight years into his NBA career and has never made the playoffs, so the Bulls may be able to find a deal that would make all parties happy.

When Chicago moved White in the Hornets trade, some criticized the Bulls for not reaping any real value in return given Sexton’s impending free agency, but if Chicago brass — whoever becomes the new decision-maker — is able to swing a sign-and-trade in July, it would definitely change things.

The Bulls could land some draft capital or perhaps a trade exception in return for Sexton, or perhaps they would be able to nab some young talent.

Whatever the case may be, Chicago stands a chance of building upon the White trade that, at this point, has looked like a complete failure.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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