Here's some of the latest Chicago Bulls news, including Matas Buzelis's all-star fun, Arturas Karnisovas's apparent new strategy, and how even more guards are about to be forced onto Billy Donovan's plate.
Third time's the charm for Matas Buzelis
Despite being in just his second NBA season, Bulls forward Matas Buzelis just competed in his third Rising Stars Challenge as a part of All-Star Weekend 2026. His first came as a member of the G League Ignite, and his second came at last year's break after being selected with the No. 11 pick in the 2024 draft.
He made this one count.
The 21-year-old scored 10 points across two games that featured some of the league's best rookies and sophomores. He hit a three, threw down a few signature dunks, and showed off some flashy footwork.
It was an encouraging all-around performance from Buzelis, who was part of the championship-winning Team Vince (coached by NBA legend Vince Carter) alongside 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe, who was named the event's MVP.
Bulls becoming safe haven for young cast-offs
Did Chicago's Executive VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas fool us with a mastermind strategy at this year's trade deadline?
Maybe so, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic (subscription required), who wrote about the Bulls' "second draft" roster-building formula.
Karnisovas acquired Jaden Ivey from the Pistons in the deal that sent Kevin Huerter to Detroit. Ivey was the fifth-overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but he couldn't climb back into the Pistons' rotation after fracturing his fibula partway through a breakout season.
The Bulls also traded for Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft, after the former Kentucky standout couldn't crack his way into the Minnesota Timberwolves' lineup.
And don't forget about Karnisovas's decision to swap Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey, who was, at the time, another floundering top-10 pick.
The Giddey move worked swimmingly. If Ivey and/or Dillingham hit, we might have to admit Karnisovas is onto something.
Two more guards will soon force their way into Billy Donovan's rotation
Ivey and Dillingham weren't the only backcourt players the Bulls acquired at the trade deadline. They also brought in Anfernee Simons from the Boston Celtics, Collin Sexton by way of the Charlotte Hornets, and signed Mac McClung to a two-way deal. Yuki Kawamura is currently on a two-way contract of his own.
Now, Donovan is about to add two potential starters to his rotation as Josh Giddey and Tre Jones return from injury.
The Bulls have been extra cautious with Giddey, who's been dealing with a hamstring injury. When he's back on the floor, Chicago's franchise point guard is a lock to start.
Jones has been one of Donovan's most steady and trustworthy players since he arrived in the Windy City at the 2025 trade deadline and is about to return from his own hamstring injury. Jones may not start, but he'll likely play a significant role for a team not looking to lose on purpose.
Good luck, Billy.