Dec 14, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago Bulls trade deadline moves already paying off

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated Feb 8, 2026 6:11 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls won’t publicly say the words rebuild or admit the direction they are going in after the NBA Trade Deadline. But for fans it’s clear.

The most frustrating part of it all is that it took so long to do this. If the team did this a few years back, the value for the players that they traded would have been higher. They also could have put themselves in a really good spot for two strong drafts in 2025 and 2026.

Now, the Bulls have a LOT of ground to make up in terms of getting high into the lottery with the chance at a top five pick. The good news? Since the trade deadline, the Bulls have lost both games and are on a four-game losing streak overall.

So progress?

Chicago Bulls moving in right direction in tank standings

On the day of the NBA Trade Deadline, the Bulls currently sat at 13th in the NBA Draft standings. But now, with two more losses the Bulls have actually moved in the right direction. As Rickey O’Donnell notes, the Bulls are now 10th as you can see on Tankathon.

Chicago’s odds to get into top 4 are 13.9% and to get to No. 1 is 3%. Stranger things have happened however as we have seen teams with long odds move into that top three. Heck, look at the Dallas Mavericks last season who went to No. 1.

Bulls already down to No. 10 in the tank race. They were No. 13 the day of the trade deadline. No. 10 slot equals = 13.9% chance at top-4, 3% chance at No. 1. pic.twitter.com/g1KtR0gHfl

— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) February 8, 2026

This is a really strong draft at the top with Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa all potentially being in the mix at No. 1 overall. Then you have a guy like Caleb Wilson or even Koa Peat who both have really high ceilings.

There’s a LOT of talent that could be available for the Bulls if they can just get into that top four or five. And right now, they are going in the right direction.

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

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