Bulls’ front office signals increased trade activity; Pistons near full health; Mitchell targets World Team berth
SLUG: bulls-activity-pistons-injuries-mitchell-world-team
CHICAGO — Executives around the league believe the Bulls could be active ahead of this season’s trade deadline, according to a report from The Chicago Sun-Times. Sources told the outlet that executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas has been “more transparent” in discussions and “more realistic” with asking prices since last season’s deadline. Chicago went nearly three years—August 2021 through June 2024—without making a player trade, but has completed multiple deals in the past 18 months.
The Bulls, sitting just below the .500 mark with more than half of the roster on expiring contracts, are said to be under growing pressure from ownership to establish a clearer direction after what team insiders characterized as a series of passive decisions.
Pistons expect key players back Thursday
DETROIT — After four days off, the Pistons anticipate having several injured contributors available for Thursday’s home game against Phoenix, Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press reported. Point guard Cade Cunningham has been removed from the injury report following a two-game absence caused by a right wrist contusion. Center Jalen Duren, out the past four games with a sprained right ankle, is listed as probable.
Forward Tobias Harris (left hip sprain) and big man Isaiah Stewart (illness) are also considered probable after missing time.
In a separate piece for The Athletic, Hunter Patterson and John Hollinger examined Detroit’s trade-deadline outlook and roster crunch. Hollinger wrote that the club still lacks a long-term solution at power forward, while Patterson reported that team officials plan to be “opportunistic but not aggressive.” The front office is also weighing options to open a spot on the 15-man roster for two-way standout Daniss Jenkins.
Mitchell embraces Panamanian roots
CLEVELAND — Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, born in New York, said in a video diary for Andscape that he would prefer to represent the World Team if selected for this season’s All-Star Game. Citing his mother’s Panamanian heritage, Mitchell explained, “I do think I should be on the World team … I definitely want to show love to my Panamanian roots and my people in Panama.”
The NBA is expected to return to its traditional East vs. West matchup this season, but Mitchell noted he would welcome the opportunity should a World Team option arise.
Source: Hoops Rumors
