Jamal Collier of ESPN reports that the Bulls have internally discussed the idea of trading for Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, viewing him as a possible fix for their defensive problems in the paint.
Still, sources told Collier the organization is hesitant to sacrifice pieces of its young core until it’s more firmly competitive. As one source put it, “I don’t think going out and chasing X megastar is the way to proceed – at least today.”
Chicago has the resources to pursue a major trade – all of its own first-round picks for the next seven years, Portland’s top-14-protected 2026 first-rounder, and the ability to open nearly $70 million in cap space next summer.
Interest in Davis has grown as Dallas has started 6-15 and rookie Cooper Flagg has emerged. A youth movement could push the Mavericks toward trading Davis, though his injury history and big contract remain concerns. He has played only six games this season after missing extended time with a left calf strain.
Collier’s notes on Davis come within a bigger look at why the Bulls have fallen to 9-10 after a 6-1 start. Opponents have adjusted to Billy Donovan’s up-tempo system, which he modeled after Indiana’s Finals run.
Donovan said, “That’s who we have to be. We have to be better than the sum of our parts… yes, they play really, really fast… but the physicality of those guys defensively is where our evolution has to continue.”
Josh Giddey has been tasked with filling a role similar to Tyrese Haliburton’s, but questions remain about whether the rest of the roster can match Indiana’s level.
A Bulls source told Collier, “They have Haliburton… and they have Siakam. If Giddey can develop into an All-Star… when do we pull the trigger to get our Siakam?”
Management views Giddey, Coby White, Matas Buzelis and 2025 first-rounder Noa Essengue as its future core. Essengue, still only 18, has been brought along slowly and debuted on November 22.
Team sources added that the Bulls plan to keep building around that group as they work toward long-term improvement.
ICYMI: The Bulls’ front office has reportedly engaged in internal discussions about trading for Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, but a deal is considered unlikely. https://t.co/rlVKlefTl0
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 2, 2025
