The Chicago Bulls' 2026 trade deadline decisions have drawn heavy criticism, and rightfully so. But Rob Dillingham was the centerpiece acquisition, and over the team's last five games, he's proving why he could help flip that narrative.
Dillingham is one of only a few players (and maybe a second-round pick or two?) that the Bulls' front office brought to the Windy City who could have an actual impact on the franchise's future. His slow start was concerning, no doubt — but the 21-year-old has put together a handful of games that prove Bulls fans were right to be excited about his potential.
Rob Dillingham is breaking out for the Bulls
Dillingham has always been an intriguing prospect. He was the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft — three spots ahead of Matas Buzelis (who Chicago fans should know pretty well). His skill set as a quick, explosive three-level scorer is what made the Minnesota Timberwolves pay a high price to secure his services.
But whether it was Dillingham's fault or the Timberwolves', or maybe both, things didn't work out in Minny. Bulls Executive VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas brought him on board as the key return in the trade that sent Ayo Dosunmu to Minnesota.
After a slow start, the former Kentucky Wildcats standout has turned things around.
In his first 13 games with the Bulls, Dillingham played just 19.0 minutes per contest and averaged 6.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He shot a dreadful 34.7 percent from the field and an even worse 20.7 percent from 3-point range.
In his last five games, those numbers have jumped to 25.2 minutes a night, with averages of 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 steals. He's shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three.
It's certainly not all perfect. Dillingham has attempted a total of two free throws over this stretch, concerning for a player so skilled at getting to the rim. But he's only averaging 1.6 turnovers compared to those 4.0 assists, something head coach Billy Donovan has emphasized since his new point guard arrived.
Bulls need Dillingham to become an asset
Karnisovas bet on Dillingham and gambled on Jaden Ivey as his two biggest acquisitions at the deadline. A smattering of those second-round picks could become useful at some point, but who knows?
Ivey has been a bust so far. He's only played in four games because of lingering knee soreness. He was having a breakout season with the Detroit Pistons last year before breaking his left fibula in January of 2025, and he hasn't been the same player since.
Aside from 22-year-old wing Leonard Miller, none of Chicago's new players will be around when the team is ready to compete in the playoffs again.
A lot rides on Dillingham, and things didn't look great during his first month with the organization. But his play over the last five games should make the Bulls hopeful he can be the kind of high-potential piece they need.