The Bulls have held internal discussions about pursuing Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, though the franchise is adamant it will not gut its young core to make it happen, according to reporting from ESPN’s Jamal Collier.
Chicago believe the eight-time All-Star could immediately shore up their biggest weaknesses.
“The Bulls have had internal discussions about how to proceed, including conversations about Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis, sources told ESPN, whom they believe could help the team’s porous rim protection and defensive interior,” Collier says.
Beyond the on-court fit, Davis’ Chicago roots add another layer to the conversation.
The Bulls already have three hometown players on the roster, Ayo Dosunmu, Jevon Carter and rookie Matas Buzelis, which Collier notes is not accidental.
“I don’t think going out and chasing X megastar is the way to proceed, at least today,” one source told ESPN.
The Bulls’ long-term positioning helps explain that approach. Chicago owns its own first-round pick for the next seven years and an additional 2026 protected first from Portland.
The Bulls could have close to $70 million in cap space next offseason, Bobby Marks of ESPN projected. With that financial flexibility, Chicago can trade up to five first-rounders and five second-rounders, making them one of the NBA’s most well-stocked teams on the asset front.
But for now, the Bulls appear unwilling to sacrifice the foundation they’ve begun building. Collier reports that Chicago views Josh Giddey, Coby White and Buzelis as the core of their future. That group also includes Noa Essengue, the 19-year-old selected with the No. 12 pick in the 2025 draft, who insiders say is firmly part of the long-term plan.
While interest in Davis is real, the Bulls know they’re not yet at the stage where an all-in swing makes sense. Instead, they’re preparing for the moment they are.
For now, Chicago is monitoring, evaluating and staying ready, but not rushing.
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