Bulls Unlikely to Part With Core Assets in Pursuit of Mavericks’ Anthony Davis
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The Chicago Bulls have held internal talks about trading for Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, but the front office is not expected to advance those discussions, ESPN’s Jamal Collier reported on December 1.
According to Collier, Chicago views the 32-year-old center as a possible fix for its interior defense. However, team executives are hesitant to surrender pieces of the organization’s emerging core until the roster is closer to contending. “I don’t think going out and chasing X megastar is the way to proceed—at least today,” one source told ESPN.
The Bulls possess sizable trade capital, including their own first-round selections for the next seven drafts and a top-14-protected 2026 first-rounder from Portland. They also project to have nearly $70 million in cap space next summer.
Davis has become a frequent subject of speculation amid Dallas’ 6-15 start and the rapid ascent of rookie forward Cooper Flagg. While the Mavericks could choose to rebuild around younger players, Davis’ lengthy injury history and his sizable contract create significant risk for potential suitors. The eight-time All-Star has appeared in only six games this season after missing extended time with a left calf strain.
Collier’s report was part of a broader look at why Chicago has fallen to 9-10 after opening the season 6-1. Head coach Billy Donovan adopted an up-tempo style modeled on the Indiana Pacers, who reached the NBA Finals last year, but opponents have adjusted in recent weeks. “That’s who we have to be,” Donovan said. “We have to be better than the sum of our parts.” He added that the Pacers’ defensive physicality is a benchmark his club must match.
Chicago has installed Josh Giddey—acquired from Oklahoma City before last season—as its primary playmaker, mirroring Tyrese Haliburton’s role in Indiana. Still, questions remain about whether the supporting cast can reach that level. Indiana pairs Haliburton with a second star, Pascal Siakam, while Chicago continues to evaluate its own core.
Team sources identified Giddey, Coby White, rookie forward Matas Buzelis and 2025 first-round pick Noa Essengue as foundational pieces. Essengue, who turns 19 later this month, debuted on November 22 after a cautious ramp-up. Management understands it must keep adding talent around that quartet and intends to pursue opportunities that fit the timeline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
