Chicago Bulls' Upcoming Brutal Schedule is Now a Blessing in Disguise

The Bulls' recent trade deadline moves and upcoming schedule could help them improve their draft lottery odds.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Chicago Bulls have lost seven of their last eight games, but their recent trade deadline moves and upcoming brutal schedule may actually be a blessing in disguise. The Bulls traded away several key players, including Nikola Vucevic and Coby White, and acquired expiring contracts and draft picks. Their executive Arturas Karnisovas has hinted at focusing on the future rather than a playoff push. With 17 of their remaining 28 games against top-8 teams in each conference, the Bulls' tough schedule could help them improve their draft lottery odds rather than chase a Play-In Tournament berth.

Why it matters

The Bulls' recent moves and upcoming schedule suggest a shift in the organization's priorities, moving away from a playoff push and towards rebuilding through the draft. This could be a smart long-term strategy, as the NBA rewards teams that are willing to be less competitive in the short term in order to improve their draft position and set themselves up for future success.

The details

The Bulls made several trades at the deadline, moving on from seven different players including Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu. In return, they acquired a slew of second-round picks and young guards in need of a change of scenery. Karnisovas has hinted at focusing on the future through the draft and free agency rather than a Play-In Tournament run. The Bulls' upcoming schedule is brutal, with 17 of their remaining 28 games against top-8 teams in each conference. This difficult schedule could help the Bulls improve their draft lottery odds rather than chase a playoff spot.

  • The Bulls have lost seven of their last eight games.
  • The Bulls made several trades at the trade deadline.
  • The Bulls' next five games will come against top-5 Eastern Conference teams.
  • The Bulls have a five-game Western Conference road trip in late February/early March.
  • The Bulls have 17 of their remaining 28 games against top-8 teams in each conference.

The players

Arturas Karnisovas

The executive vice president of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls, who has hinted at focusing on the future through the draft and free agency rather than a playoff push.

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who will need to navigate the team's difficult upcoming schedule.

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What they’re saying

“He didn't talk about a Play-In Tournament run or gush about the new talent he had in the building. Instead, the executive set his sights on the future, implying that both the draft and free agency will be essential for this organization in a handful of months.”

— Arturas Karnisovas, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations (si.com)

What’s next

The Bulls will need to continue evaluating their young players and developing chemistry as they navigate their brutal upcoming schedule. The organization's focus will likely shift towards the draft and free agency as they look to rebuild for the future.

The takeaway

The Bulls' recent trade deadline moves and upcoming schedule suggest a shift in the organization's priorities, moving away from a playoff push and towards rebuilding through the draft. While this may be frustrating for fans in the short term, it could be a smart long-term strategy that sets the team up for future success.