Bulls Trade Rumors: Dosunmu, Allen, Missi Deals Heating Up

As the NBA trade deadline approaches in February 2026, the Chicago Bulls are at the center of a whirlwind of speculation. Fresh off acquiring guards Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons, the Bulls are not slowing down. Reports from insiders like Jake Fischer of The Stein Line and Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints paint a picture of an aggressive front office looking to reshape the roster. From potential swaps involving Ayo Dosunmu to pursuits of big men like Jarrett Allen and Yves Missi, the Bulls' moves could signal a pivot toward contention or a deeper rebuild. Let's break down the latest buzz.

Potential Dosunmu-Mathurin Swap with Pacers

The most intriguing rumor swirling around the Bulls involves guard Ayo Dosunmu and a possible deal with the Indiana Pacers. According to Fischer, there have been 'tangible' discussions this week about trading Dosunmu for Bennedict Mathurin, the young wing who's drawing attention from multiple teams, including the New Orleans Pelicans.

Dosunmu, a homegrown talent from the University of Illinois, has been a steady contributor for Chicago, averaging solid minutes off the bench with his defensive prowess and scoring punch. However, with the Bulls' recent acquisitions of Ivey and Simons, the backcourt is getting crowded. Mathurin, on the other hand, brings explosive athleticism and scoring potential, which could inject youth and upside into Chicago's lineup.

But timing might be everything here. The Bulls' Tuesday deals for Ivey and Simons could shift priorities. Fischer notes it's unclear if Chicago still covets Mathurin post-acquisitions. For the Pacers, Dosunmu represents a reliable two-way player who fits their up-tempo style. If this deal materializes, it could be a win-win, but expect negotiations to drag into the deadline.

Broader Implications for Bulls' Backcourt Depth

Chicago's guard rotation is evolving rapidly. Adding Ivey's speed and Simons' shooting addresses immediate needs, but trading Dosunmu would free up minutes and cap space. Analysts suggest this could be part of a larger strategy to balance scoring and defense, especially as the Bulls eye a playoff push in the loaded Eastern Conference.

Failed Pursuit of Jarrett Allen and Vucevic Offers

In a bid to bolster their frontcourt, the Bulls explored multiple scenarios involving center Nikola Vucevic before finalizing the Simons trade with Boston. Fischer reports Chicago offered Vucevic—whose $21.5 million cap hit is a hefty commitment—plus a future first-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Jarrett Allen.

Allen's rebounding and rim protection make him a dream target for any contender, and the Bulls see him as a cornerstone piece. However, Cleveland rejected the proposal, likely due to salary matching issues tied to the second tax apron. Vucevic's slightly higher salary would have required the Cavs to navigate apron restrictions carefully, and sources indicate a lack of interest sealed the deal's fate.

The Pacers have also shown interest in Allen, adding another layer of competition. For Chicago, moving Vucevic—who's been a scoring machine but less defensively dominant—could reset their big-man situation. At 35 years old by next season, Vucevic's timeline might not align with a youth movement, making him a prime trade chip.

Vucevic's Trade Value in a Crowded Market

Despite the rejection, Vucevic's value remains high. His ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting is rare for a center, and teams like Indiana could pair him with their core for immediate impact. The Bulls' willingness to include a first-rounder underscores their desperation for defensive upgrades, but they'll need creative packaging to land a star like Allen elsewhere.

Interest in Pelicans' Yves Missi Amid High Asking Price

While the Allen deal fizzled, the Bulls are firmly in the conversation for New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi, per Siegel. Missi, a promising rookie with elite athleticism and shot-blocking instincts, represents the upside Chicago craves in the paint.

The Pelicans are holding firm on their demand for a first-round pick, but no suitor has bitten yet. New Orleans values Missi's potential as a long-term anchor, especially with their own roster flux. For the Bulls, acquiring Missi could be a cost-effective way to inject youth without surrendering premium assets, especially if they pair him with existing forwards.

This pursuit highlights Chicago's dual strategy: chasing proven talent like Allen while betting on high-upside prospects like Missi. If the price drops, expect the Bulls to pounce, potentially reshaping their rotation for years to come.

Other Bulls Moves: Conley Flip and White Rumors

Beyond the headliners, the Bulls acquired Mike Conley from Minnesota on Tuesday, but Fischer suggests they might flip him in a separate deal. Rumblings indicate that if Conley is traded and waived, the Timberwolves could re-sign him on a minimum deal— a workaround to NBA rules preventing direct reunions.

Conley's veteran leadership and playmaking could appeal to contenders, but Chicago's cap situation might force a quick pivot. Meanwhile, guard Coby White has surfaced in talks with the Houston Rockets. Siegel notes Houston views forward Dorian Finney-Smith as a trade piece, but the Rockets prefer to stand pat or make minor moves, focusing on minimum-salary players rather than big splashes.

White's scoring burst makes him attractive, but Houston's contentment with their roster—bolstered by interest in restricted free agent Tari Eason, whom they're not moving—could cool this link. Still, White's expiring deal positions him as a salary filler in larger Bulls packages.

Pelicans and Rockets Context: High Prices and Patience

The Pelicans' stance on Yves Missi ties into their broader asset protection. They've fielded multiple first-round pick offers for Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones but aren't budging, per Siegel. New Orleans seems poised to hold through the deadline, prioritizing continuity amid injuries and inconsistencies.

On the Rockets' side, while connected to White, Houston likes its current setup. They're fielding calls on Eason but plan to retain him, opting for small tweaks over overhauls. This patience could indirectly benefit the Bulls if it opens doors for alternative targets.

What’s Next for the Chicago Bulls?

As the deadline looms, the Bulls' activity signals intent. Whether it's landing Mathurin for Dosunmu, prying Allen loose, or snagging Missi at a discount, Chicago is positioning for flexibility. Recent moves like Ivey and Simons show a commitment to speed and shooting, but frontcourt reinforcements remain key to Eastern Conference aspirations.

Fans should monitor Pacers and Pelicans developments closely—these rumors could culminate in blockbuster shifts. For now, the Bulls' trade machine is humming, keeping the NBA world on edge. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for updates as February 2026 unfolds.

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