Bulls’ win gives Wolves close look at Chicago’s backcourt options
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The Bulls outlasted the Timberwolves 120-115 on Thursday night at the United Center, a result that also allowed Minnesota executives to evaluate three Chicago guards who could be available before next month’s trade deadline.
Wolves studying Jones, White and Dosunmu
League sources told the Chicago Sun-Times earlier this season that the Timberwolves have interest in Tre Jones, Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu. All three logged significant minutes in Thursday’s matchup:
- Tre Jones hit a go-ahead layup with 31.1 seconds left and finished with 11 points and six assists.
- Coby White produced 22 points, four rebounds and four assists, continuing a stretch in which he has avoided missing more than two consecutive games since early December.
- Ayo Dosunmu added nine points and solid perimeter defense in 27 minutes.
According to the Chicago Tribune, White’s $12.9 million salary complicates a potential deal for Minnesota, while Dosunmu’s smaller contract is easier to match and his spot-up shooting could complement Anthony Edwards. Jones, who is under contract for two additional seasons, offers long-term cost certainty and veteran steadiness as Mike Conley transitions out of a heavy starting role.
Donovan: Deadline talks won’t hinge on next six games
Head coach Billy Donovan said he does not expect the Bulls’ approach to be determined by the upcoming six-game stretch. “You have to have partners,” Donovan noted, adding that vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas and general manager Marc Eversley update him daily. He anticipates any transaction occurring close to the deadline, when “all the movement happens.”
Giddey returns, strengthens pairing with White
Chicago has won four straight, aided by Josh Giddey’s return from a 25-day absence caused by a hamstring strain. The third-year guard scored 21 points with five assists and six rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench against Minnesota. Two nights later versus Boston, he shot just 3-for-11 but supplied 10 assists and eight boards in 24 minutes.
Lineup data shows the Bulls’ season net rating rises from ‑2.4 overall to ‑0.7 when Giddey and White share the floor. Reporter K.C. Johnson indicated the team will keep Giddey in a reserve role while his workload increases.
Rose honored with jersey retirement
Following Saturday’s victory over the Celtics, the Bulls retired Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey in an emotional ceremony that reunited several former teammates. Rose becomes the fifth Bull to receive the honor, joining Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
Team president Michael Reinsdorf said the organization waited to give Rose and the franchise ample time to plan “something really, really special.” Rose, who stepped away from basketball last season, told the crowd he is now pursuing ambitions in the business world, noting, “The people I’m chasing after, they’re reading.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
