The Chicago Bulls front office, once known for its conservative approach to the trade market, appears to be shifting gears. After nearly three years of radio silence on the player trade front-from August 2021 to June 2024-there’s now a growing sense around the league that the Bulls could be active again as this season unfolds.
Executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas, who has been at the helm during this stretch, is reportedly taking a more open and pragmatic approach to trade talks. According to league insiders, Karnišovas has become more transparent in discussions and more grounded in his expectations since last season’s trade deadline. That’s a notable shift from previous years, where the Bulls were often criticized for being too passive or hesitant when it came to reshaping the roster.
Now, with the team hovering just below the .500 mark and more than half the roster on expiring contracts, rival executives believe Chicago is officially open for business. The pressure is mounting internally, too. Ownership is said to be pushing for more decisive action to get the team back on a competitive track-something that has eluded them in recent seasons due to an accumulation of wait-and-see decisions.
Around the Central Division:
In Detroit, the Pistons are finally getting some much-needed help on the injury front. After a four-day break, they’re expected to be closer to full strength for Thursday’s matchup against the Suns.
Cade Cunningham, who missed two games with a right wrist contusion, is off the injury report and ready to go. Jalen Duren, sidelined for four games with a sprained right ankle, is listed as probable, as are Tobias Harris (left hip sprain) and Isaiah Stewart (illness), both of whom are expected to return after short absences.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Pistons’ front office is evaluating its next steps. According to reporting from The Athletic, Detroit is expected to be “opportunistic but not aggressive” in the trade market.
That means they’ll be watching for the right deals, but not forcing anything. One area of focus remains the power forward position, where the team still lacks a long-term solution.
Another wrinkle: finding a way to clear space on the 15-man roster for two-way standout Daniss Jenkins, who’s made a strong case for a full-time spot.
Meanwhile, in Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell is adding a personal twist to the All-Star conversation. Though born in New York, Mitchell shared in a video diary for Andscape that he’d love to represent the World team if selected for this year’s All-Star Game.
The reason? His Panamanian heritage on his mother’s side.
“I do think I should be on the World team,” Mitchell said. “But I don’t think people look at me as like a Panamanian basketball player.
But I do. I would love to be on the World team if I got a chance.
If not, I’m not tripping. Don’t get me wrong.
But I definitely want to show love to my Panamanian roots and my people in Panama.”
It’s a meaningful gesture from a player who continues to shine on the court and represent his roots off it.