Some recent news and notes surrounding the Chicago Bulls, including a pair of long-term keepers emerging from the Ayo Dosunmu trade and injury updates on Noa Essengue and Jaden Ivey.
Bulls getting standout play from Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller
In terms of pure asset return, the trade that sent Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets might have been the worst deal Chicago's front office made at this year's deadline. But dealing Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves was the most disappointing.
The recent emergence of prospects Rob Dillingham and Leonard Miller is greatly softening the blow, however.
The full trade in question sent Dosunmu and Julian Phillips to Minnesota in exchange for Dillingham, Miller and four second-round picks. It was a tough pill to swallow for Bulls fans; Dosunmu is a Chicago native and a fan favorite who has long been underrated as a player.
But Dillingham and Miller are the two best players the Bulls acquired because they have legitimate potential.
Dillingham was the eighth overall pick in 2024. The Timberwolves wanted him to be the heir apparent to Mike Conley, but the then-19-year-old wasn't ready for that responsibility on a winning team. Miller didn't get much playing time for similar reasons.
But both are getting their chance now.
In his last five games, Dillingham is averaging 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three.
In his last six, Miller is averaging 13.2 points, 7.2 rebounds (2.8 offensive boards) and is shooting 53.2 percent.
A Noa Essengue injury update
Remember Noa Essengue? The No. 12 pick in last year's draft?
You're forgiven if he's slipped your mind, as he played six total minutes across two games for the Bulls before undergoing shoulder surgery and missing the rest of the season.
Essengue's potential is still there: He's a gracefully athletic mover with long arms who can disrupt offenses, create turnovers, run in transition and get to the free-throw line.
Per K.C. Johnson of CHSN, Essengue returned to practice last week for full non-contact drills. A healthy offseason of work would do wonders for the 19-year-old.
Jaden Ivey's return on the horizon
Jaden Ivey has been one of Karnisovas' most disappointing acquisitions thus far as he deals with lingering knee soreness. The 24-year-old restricted free agent has only played four games.
His return may be coming soon, however.
Bulls insider Will Gottlieb reports that Ivey will be on the team's next road trip, a four-game run that kicks off on March 25 at Philadelphia and concludes on March 30 in San Antonio.
Both Ivey and the Bulls need him to get on the court and stay there for the rest of this season.