Chicago Bulls Face Guard Logjam After Trade Deadline Moves

Head coach Billy Donovan must navigate a crowded backcourt as the team shifts focus to player development.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Chicago Bulls made several moves at the trade deadline that loaded up their roster with guards, creating a logjam in the backcourt for head coach Billy Donovan. With veterans like Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton joining younger players like Jaden Ivey and Rob Dillingham, Donovan must now balance winning games with developing his younger talent. This shift in priorities raises questions about whether Donovan, who has never been part of a rebuild, is still aligned with the team's long-term vision.

Why it matters

The Bulls' trade deadline moves reflect a shift towards a rebuilding mindset, which is unfamiliar territory for head coach Billy Donovan. His preference has always been to compete for a playoff spot, but the team's crowded backcourt and focus on player development may force him to adapt his coaching style and rotations.

The details

The Bulls added several guards at the trade deadline, including Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Jaden Ivey, and Rob Dillingham. This creates a logjam in the backcourt, especially with Josh Giddey and Tre Jones expected to return soon. Donovan must now decide how to balance playing time between the veteran scorers and the younger, developmental players. Prioritizing the veterans' minutes could help the team win more games, but may not be the best long-term strategy for the organization.

  • The Bulls made several trades at the 2026 NBA trade deadline on February 16, 2026.
  • Josh Giddey and Tre Jones are expected to return to the court as soon as this week.

The players

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who has never been part of a rebuilding process in his coaching career.

Anfernee Simons

A veteran guard acquired by the Bulls at the trade deadline, who is seeking a new contract.

Collin Sexton

Another veteran guard added by the Bulls at the trade deadline, also in need of a new contract.

Jaden Ivey

A former lottery pick who was traded to the Bulls and is in need of significant developmental minutes.

Rob Dillingham

A 21-year-old guard acquired by the Bulls who still has a year left on his current contract.

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What they’re saying

“It's not like I'm giving him free rein. We need him downhill, but he also can't be jumping off of two feet, getting caught in the air, shooting over guys, trying to throw passes that aren't there,”

— Billy Donovan, Head Coach (Joel Lorenzi)

“I think that will come in time.”

— Billy Donovan, Head Coach (Joel Lorenzi)

What’s next

The Bulls and Donovan will need to determine how to best allocate minutes among their crowded backcourt, balancing the need to win games with the importance of developing their younger talent.

The takeaway

Donovan's preference has always been to compete for a playoff spot, but the Bulls' trade deadline moves have shifted the team's focus towards a rebuild. Navigating this new reality and finding the right balance in his rotations will be a significant challenge for the veteran coach.