Rumors Surround Bulls as Mavericks Struggle to Stay Afloat. But Will They Listen?
The Chicago Bulls' name is already being mentioned in whispers around the NBA rumor mill, despite only mid-November having rolled around. The Dallas Mavericks, who have been spiraling out of control, might be the first team to throw in the towel and start looking to tank, setting themselves up for a prime 2026 draft class.
The Mavericks' recent signings, including No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, have laid the groundwork for this possible shift in strategy. Meanwhile, young players like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer are making waves with their performances on the court. As a result, it's likely that high salaries will need to be shed, and none may be more coveted than Chicago native Anthony Davis.
Davis' desire to play for his hometown team has been whispered about in recent days, thanks in part to comments from former NBA guard John Wall and an interview with Marc Stein, who revealed that Davis' representatives are already working out a plan to explore an in-season trade with the Mavericks. The catch: Davis is owed $175.4 million this season alone.
However, Bulls president Arturas Karnisovas appears to be stuck on his original plan, despite criticism and skepticism from fans and pundits alike. When questioned about adding a star player last month, he made it clear that patience and growth are key for the young team he's built. "Competitive integrity" seems to rule the day at the United Center.
So will the Bulls listen to rumors of interest in Davis? Given Karnisovas' reputation for sticking to his guns, it's hard to imagine him deviating from his plan now. Even with a recent four-game losing streak that includes losses to elite teams like the Bucks and Celtics, he seems determined to stick to his strategy – even if it means passing on an opportunity to add Davis to the roster.
The Bulls have shown willingness to sacrifice competitiveness for growth in the past, as seen during their tanking efforts last season. But Karnisovas' patience is one of his most defining traits, and it's unlikely he'll change course now just because rumors are swirling about a potential trade.
The Chicago Bulls' name is already being mentioned in whispers around the NBA rumor mill, despite only mid-November having rolled around. The Dallas Mavericks, who have been spiraling out of control, might be the first team to throw in the towel and start looking to tank, setting themselves up for a prime 2026 draft class.
The Mavericks' recent signings, including No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, have laid the groundwork for this possible shift in strategy. Meanwhile, young players like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer are making waves with their performances on the court. As a result, it's likely that high salaries will need to be shed, and none may be more coveted than Chicago native Anthony Davis.
Davis' desire to play for his hometown team has been whispered about in recent days, thanks in part to comments from former NBA guard John Wall and an interview with Marc Stein, who revealed that Davis' representatives are already working out a plan to explore an in-season trade with the Mavericks. The catch: Davis is owed $175.4 million this season alone.
However, Bulls president Arturas Karnisovas appears to be stuck on his original plan, despite criticism and skepticism from fans and pundits alike. When questioned about adding a star player last month, he made it clear that patience and growth are key for the young team he's built. "Competitive integrity" seems to rule the day at the United Center.
So will the Bulls listen to rumors of interest in Davis? Given Karnisovas' reputation for sticking to his guns, it's hard to imagine him deviating from his plan now. Even with a recent four-game losing streak that includes losses to elite teams like the Bucks and Celtics, he seems determined to stick to his strategy – even if it means passing on an opportunity to add Davis to the roster.
The Bulls have shown willingness to sacrifice competitiveness for growth in the past, as seen during their tanking efforts last season. But Karnisovas' patience is one of his most defining traits, and it's unlikely he'll change course now just because rumors are swirling about a potential trade.