Several Reports Confirm This Will Be Arturas Karnisovas’s Next Move
The last few days have felt like a bit of a dream come true for Chicago Bulls fans. While they haven’t done anything franchise-altering or made any major transactions, any moves at the deadline have become the standard for overwhelming joy in the Windy City. Thus far, Arturas Karnisovas has grabbed two second-round draft picks, added Mike Conley’s $10 million expiring salary, and landed 23-year-old Jaden Ivey. Shortly after, he swapped the 35-year-old Nikola Vucevic for a 26-year-old Anfernee Simons. The goal is to invest long-term in both guards as future shooting guards or sixth men. With a resume that’s not overly impressive, Ivey’s next contract won’t be as lucrative as Coby White’s or Ayo Dosunmu’s, but he still possesses the potential and athleticism to become a significant factor moving forward. Here’s what’s next for AK, and the signs that say Chicago is not done making moves yet.
Too Many Guards Means That Is Up Next
Adding Ivey and Conley to an already overflowing backcourt situation in Chicago indicates two things: that there will be another trade before Thursday’s cutoff, and that it will be shipping off Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu. Both are on expiring deals, and the team has been outspoken about fielding offers for the pair. Adding a young asset at shooting guard means one is being replaced. The question now becomes, does Karnisovas want a more lucrative return, or to keep the better fit for the future?
BULLS AREN'T DONE JUST YET
Per @JCowleyHoops the Bulls are looking to package Coby White and Mike Conley to move before Thursday
What an active deadline! pic.twitter.com/8qnCXU14fm
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bulls (@JAYChi_Bulls) February 3, 2026
The correct answer is building the best product for the future, which would mean retaining Dosunmu. He’s separated himself from White as a better fit, a better all-around player, and he will be cheaper to extend this offseason. He’s been a more productive and efficient three-point shooter, currently ranking in the top five leaguewide in three-point percentage. His defense is miles ahead of his running mate, and his size creates more versatility on that end, and his ability to play a variable amount of minutes at differing positions makes him irreplaceable.
Getting The Best Deal For Coby White
For the Bulls’ front office, it now boils down to finding the best offer for the longest-tenured player on the roster. There’s been interest around the league, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and others. While reports indicate that Chicago is not getting many offers that meet its request for a first-round pick, adding Conley or late-round draft capital might elevate the deal to that level.
Shams on the Bulls:
"Around the league I'm getting a ton of calls and texts, this raises questions about the futures of Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu" pic.twitter.com/UoDtOscYvJ
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 3, 2026
Dosunmu would certainly net a first-round draft pick in return. White might only land a few second-round picks or a low-grade prospect. Regardless of what Karnisovas decides to do over the next few days, one of the two, if not both, will be in a different jersey after Thursday’s cutoff.