The Chicago Bulls’ post-trade deadline stretch hasn’t exactly started on a high note. After shaking up the roster, Chicago dropped another game this week, falling 123-115 to the Brooklyn Nets. But it wasn’t just the loss that had people talking - it was a moment from newly acquired guard Collin Sexton that drew headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Late in the third quarter, with the Bulls trailing 89-84 and just over 90 seconds left on the clock, Sexton stepped to the free-throw line. He knocked down his second shot, then turned to head back on defense - but not before flashing a middle finger toward the basket. Whether it was directed at the rim, the crowd, or just a burst of frustration, the gesture didn’t go unnoticed.
The NBA responded swiftly. On Tuesday evening, the league hit Sexton with a $35,000 fine for what it called “an inappropriate gesture on the playing court.” The incident, caught on video, took place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and quickly made the rounds on social media.
At the time of the gesture, Sexton had 16 points. He’d finish the night with 21 points on efficient shooting, adding five rebounds and an assist while going 6-for-8 from the line. His backcourt partner, Anfernee Simons, led the Bulls in scoring with 23 points and also dished out seven assists.
The loss dropped Chicago to 24-30 on the season - a mark that reflects a team still trying to find its rhythm after a flurry of trade deadline moves. The Bulls brought in Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and three second-round picks in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets, sending out Coby White and veteran Mike Conley Jr. in return. Sexton, now with his third NBA team after stints in Cleveland and Utah, is averaging 14.4 points, 2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists this season.
The Bulls didn’t stop there. In separate moves, they sent forward Dalen Terry to the Knicks in exchange for Guerschon Yabusele, and dealt guard Ayo Dosunmu to the Timberwolves. That Minnesota trade brought back a young duo - guard Rob Dillingham and forward Leonard Miller - along with multiple future draft picks.
It’s clear Chicago is leaning into a retooling phase, blending proven scorers like Simons and Sexton with young upside pieces. But as this week showed, the chemistry is still a work in progress - and emotions, at times, are running high.