Bulls Shake Up Roster with Trades Ahead of Deadline

Chicago sends Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. to Charlotte in exchange for Collin Sexton and Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:15am

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The Chicago Bulls made a series of trades ahead of the NBA trade deadline, sending veteran guards Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Collin Sexton, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and multiple future second-round draft picks. The moves signal a shift in the Bulls' strategy, as they look to inject youth and future assets into their roster amid a rebuilding effort.

Why it matters

The Bulls' trades represent a clear change in direction for the struggling franchise, as they move away from a veteran-led roster in favor of a longer-term rebuild focused on player development and future flexibility. The acquisitions of Sexton and Alexander-Walker provide the Bulls with young talent to build around, while the draft picks offer additional opportunities to improve the roster down the line.

The details

In the main trade, the Bulls sent White and Conley to the Hornets in exchange for Sexton, Alexander-Walker, and three future second-round picks. White, a dynamic scoring guard, had shown promise in Chicago but became expendable as the team pursued a rebuild. Conley, a respected veteran, provided stability but didn't fit the Bulls' evolving timeline. In return, the Bulls acquire Sexton, a young guard with scoring upside, and Alexander-Walker, a versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the court.

  • The trades were finalized on February 6, 2026, ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
  • The Bulls were actively involved in multiple discussions as the deadline approached, suggesting a willingness to explore all available options.

The players

Coby White

A dynamic scoring guard who had shown flashes of potential in Chicago but became expendable as the team pursued a rebuild.

Mike Conley Jr.

A respected veteran known for his playmaking and leadership, but didn't fit the Bulls' evolving timeline.

Collin Sexton

A young guard with scoring upside, acquired by the Bulls in the trade with the Hornets.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

A versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the court, also acquired by the Bulls in the trade with the Hornets.

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What’s next

The success of the Bulls' rebuild will depend on the development of players like Sexton and Alexander-Walker, as well as the team's ability to make smart draft picks in the coming years.

The takeaway

The Bulls' trades signal a clear shift in the team's strategy, as they move away from a veteran-led roster in favor of a longer-term rebuild focused on player development and future flexibility. The acquisitions of Sexton and Alexander-Walker provide the team with young talent to build around, while the draft picks offer additional opportunities to improve the roster in the future.