Bulls have the worst track record in this area under Arturas Karnisovas

The DeRozan steal 

Another sign-and-trade and another nice deal for Karnisovas, who essentially gave up one first-round pick to get DeRozan. 

DeRozan has been great for Chicago, but they still haven’t won anything, and like with Ball, Karnisovas could undo all of the good with the next contract for DeRozan, who reportedly wants more than the two years the Bulls want to give. 

This one worked out for Chicago. For now. 

Giving away a star for nothing 

The worst trade Karnisovas made was when he dealt Lauri Markkanen to the Cavs in a three-team deal that netted them nothing. 

Derrick Jones Jr now starts for the Mavs in the Finals (if only the Bulls had just kept Jones Jr and Gafford, two Finals starters!) and the pick the Bulls are owed from Portland is so protected that it may never convey. 

Since that flurry of deals, the Bulls have made just one low-level trade for Julian Phillips while they continue to be mired in mediocrity. 

Most of the players Karnisovas traded for are hurt or not even on the roster. The ones who remain are mostly guys the Bulls would have to pay to give away. 

It’s safe to say that trades have not been Karnisovas’ strength and are one of the big reasons the Bulls are where they are.