Bulls, Hornets, and Thunder Pull Off Three-Team Trade: Breaking Down the Moves and What Comes Next
The Chicago Bulls made waves on Wednesday with their second three-team trade in as many days-this time teaming up with the Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal that reshapes multiple rosters and raises plenty of questions about the direction of all three franchises.
Here’s the breakdown: Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. are headed to Charlotte, while Chicago receives Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and three second-round picks. Oklahoma City’s role in the deal was more subtle, but it helped facilitate the movement of Dieng and draft capital.
Let’s unpack what this means for each team-starting with the Bulls.
Chicago Bulls: A Reset or a Retreat?
This move marks another pivot in what’s been a flurry of activity for the Bulls front office. Just a day earlier, they were part of a separate three-team deal that brought in Jaden Ivey and sent Kevin Huerter and Dario Šarić to Detroit. Now, they’ve flipped Conley-who was only briefly on the roster-for more youth and draft assets.
The Return:
The Bulls get two intriguing young players in Collin Sexton and Ousmane Dieng.
Sexton, averaging 13.9 points per game on an efficient 48.8% shooting, brings energy and scoring punch to the backcourt. He’s a fearless attacker who can get downhill quickly, and while he may not be a pure point guard, he adds depth and pace to a Bulls team that’s lacked offensive spark at times.
Dieng, meanwhile, is still a bit of a project. But at 6’10” with a smooth shooting stroke (41.8% from the field), he fits the mold of a modern forward-long, versatile, and capable of stretching the floor. If the Bulls are patient, he could develop into a valuable piece.
The Bigger Picture:
This trade isn’t just about talent; it’s about flexibility.
Both Sexton and Dieng are on expiring contracts, giving the Bulls more cap space to work with this summer. Add in three more second-round picks, and Chicago now holds 10 in total-ammo for future trades or long-term roster building.
Still, it’s hard to ignore what the Bulls gave up. Coby White wasn’t just a productive guard-he was a homegrown talent, a fan favorite, and one of the few bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent season. Averaging 18.6 points and 4.7 assists, White had become a reliable scoring option and was fresh off a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double against the Bucks in his final game with Chicago.
White was drafted by the Bulls in 2019 and spent seven seasons with the team. His departure-especially after declining a contract extension-signals a shift in direction. And with the recent signing of Josh Giddey to a four-year, $100 million deal, it’s clear who the Bulls are now choosing to build around.
Bottom Line:
This trade gives Chicago flexibility, but it also raises questions.
Are they trying to build a winning team or just reshuffling the deck? With the play-in tournament still a long shot and the playoffs even further out of reach, fans are left wondering if there’s a real plan in place or if this is just more of the same.
Grade: D+
Charlotte Hornets: Homecoming and Leadership
The Hornets made a savvy move here, adding both a dynamic scorer in Coby White and a seasoned veteran in Mike Conley Jr.
Coby White’s Return:
White is heading back to his home state of North Carolina, and while he may not start right away, his ability to shoot from deep, create off the dribble, and play both guard spots makes him a valuable asset off the bench. He slots in nicely alongside a young core that includes LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and rookie Kon Knueppel.
White’s scoring versatility should help open up the floor for Ball’s playmaking and give Charlotte another reliable option in crunch time. And while he didn’t reach star status in Chicago, he’s still just 26 and entering his prime.
Veteran Presence in Conley:
Then there’s Mike Conley Jr.-an 18-year NBA vet with over 100 playoff games under his belt.
He’s on the final year of a $10.8 million deal, making him a low-risk, high-reward addition. Conley brings leadership, poise, and the kind of experience that can help a young team take the next step.
**Playoff Push? **
The Hornets may not be top-tier contenders yet, but they’re building something. This trade gives them both short-term contributors and long-term flexibility.
If White thrives in a new environment and Conley helps stabilize the backcourt, Charlotte could very well make a push for the postseason.
Grade: B
What It All Means
The Bulls are betting on flexibility and youth, hoping Sexton and Dieng can either develop into key contributors or serve as assets in future deals. But in the short term, they lose a proven scorer and a fan favorite in White, while still lacking a clear identity.
Charlotte, on the other hand, adds a local talent in White and a steadying force in Conley-both of whom could help them take a step forward in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
As for Oklahoma City, they continue to play the long game, collecting assets and helping facilitate deals that keep them nimble and opportunistic.
Three teams, three different directions-but only time will tell who really came out ahead.