Bulls Look to Shift Styles Ahead of Trade Deadline

Chicago team needs to move past fast-paced offense and add physicality to improve roster.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Bulls are facing the reality that they will likely miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season. The team led by Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan has reached its ceiling, and now a younger squad led by Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis needs to make some smart moves to improve. The Bulls need to change their approach, prioritizing physicality over a fast-paced, analytical offense that has proven unsustainable due to the team's injury issues.

Why it matters

The Bulls have shown they can't keep up with more physical teams like the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder, who are finding success with a bruising style of play. To compete, the Bulls need to get bigger and burlier, making sure Buzelis plays on the wing rather than as a power forward. This shift in approach could set the team up for long-term success, but the front office will need to be flawless in their roster moves.

The details

The Bulls have a 40-35 record since the All-Star break last season, but only one player - the young Buzelis - has played in all 75 of those games. Coby White, Josh Giddey and Tre Jones have appeared in just 70.7% of those contests, while Ayo Dosunmu has suited up for 58.7%. Zach Collins has also struggled with injuries since joining the team. This lack of durability shows the fast-paced style is not sustainable, and the Bulls need to shift to a more physical approach to compete.

  • The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Zach LaVine

A former All-Star who was part of the Bulls' previous core that reached its ceiling.

DeMar DeRozan

Another former All-Star who was part of the Bulls' previous core that reached its ceiling.

Josh Giddey

A tall point guard who can fill the stat sheet and is part of the Bulls' younger core.

Matas Buzelis

A young player who the Bulls should prioritize playing on the wing rather than as a power forward.

Jalen Duren

A physical big man for the Detroit Pistons who has set the tone for a more bruising style of play.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Bulls will need to be active in the trade market and the upcoming draft to acquire the physical, rim-protecting big men they need to shift their style of play. Their success in the offseason will be crucial in determining if they can break out of play-in tournament purgatory.

The takeaway

The Bulls' fast-paced, analytical offense has reached its limits, and the team must adapt to a more physical style of play to compete with the top teams in the Eastern Conference. This shift in approach will require smart roster moves from the front office, but could set the team up for long-term success if executed properly.