With just two days left until the NBA trade deadline, the Chicago Bulls are far from finished reshaping their roster. After a flurry of moves that signaled a clear shift in direction, all eyes are now on guard Coby White - who could be the next domino to fall - and Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl, who has emerged as a potential trade target.
Let’s break down what’s going on in Chicago, because this isn’t just a minor retool - it’s starting to look like a full-on remodel.
Bulls Go Big to Start the Week
The Bulls got the ball rolling Tuesday with a pair of multi-team deals that sent a clear message: they’re not content with the status quo.
First, they pulled off a three-team trade with the Pistons and Timberwolves, landing promising young guard Jaden Ivey and veteran point guard Mike Conley. In return, Chicago shipped out Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric - the latter of whom had only just arrived via another three-team deal involving the Cavaliers and Kings over the weekend.
But the Bulls weren’t done.
Later that same day, they moved veteran center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics, bringing back dynamic scoring guard Anfernee Simons and another second-rounder. That’s a lot of movement in a short span, and it’s opened the door for even more.
Coby White: Next Man Out?
With those trades in the books, league chatter has increasingly turned to Coby White. The 25-year-old guard has been a bright spot for Chicago this season, putting up 18.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43.9% from the field and 35% from deep. He’s started 25 of his 28 games and logged 29 minutes a night - a clear sign of his importance to the Bulls’ offense.
But with the Bulls pivoting toward a new core, White’s name is now front and center in trade talks. He’s in the final year of a three-year, $36 million deal and earning $12.8 million this season. That expiring contract, combined with his age and production, makes him a valuable piece for any team looking for backcourt help - or for Chicago, a way to bring in more assets as they reset.
Enter Jakob Poeltl
One name that keeps surfacing in connection with the Bulls is Jakob Poeltl. The Raptors big man has missed time with a back injury - he hasn’t played since Dec. 21 - but he’s recently been cleared for contact. When healthy, he’s one of the league’s more efficient interior presences, averaging 9.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on a career-best 69.3% shooting in 21 games this season.
Poeltl’s contract is a significant factor in any trade discussion. He’s making $19.5 million this season and next, and he’s already signed a three-year, $84 million extension that kicks in starting with the 2027-28 season. That’s a sizable financial commitment, but for a team looking to anchor its defense or add a veteran presence in the paint, Poeltl could be worth the investment.
2/3/26 — Jackson Jr. traded? James Harden next? Latest NBA intel w/ @TomerAzarly & @BrettSiegelNBA https://t.co/Jezmx8DgP4
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 3, 2026
There’s also a layer of intrigue here: Toronto has reportedly been in talks involving Domantas Sabonis, which could create a ripple effect that sends Poeltl to Chicago - potentially in a deal that includes Coby White and draft compensation.
What’s Next?
The Bulls are clearly in motion, and the next 48 hours could bring even more change. Whether it’s moving White, landing Poeltl, or making another surprise swing, Chicago is one of the most active teams heading into the final stretch before the deadline.
This isn’t just about making moves for the sake of it - this is about reshaping the identity of the team. With veterans like Conley and Simons now in the mix, and young talent like Ivey coming aboard, the Bulls are threading the needle between staying competitive and building for the future.
Stay tuned. The Bulls aren’t done yet.