TITLE: Bulls mix up late-game rotation as Vucevic sits; White addresses Wolves inquiry
SLUG: bulls-rotation-vucevic-bench-white-wolves-inquiry
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CHICAGO — Center Nikola Vucevic remained on the bench for the final 19 minutes of the Chicago Bulls’ 129-126 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, a move head coach Billy Donovan said was not a signal of any long-term change at the position. The win ended Chicago’s seven-game losing streak.
With Vucevic seated, Zach Collins played 20 minutes and delivered 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jalen Smith logged 17 minutes and grabbed 10 rebounds. “Whatever the case may be—maybe next game it’s not my night, maybe it’s Stix’s night, maybe it’s Vooch’s night,” Collins said, noting the team’s depth at the four and five spots.
White responds to reported Timberwolves interest
After a report that Minnesota had inquired about guard Coby White, the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent told reporters he hopes to remain in Chicago. “I love being here. I love being on this team,” White said, while acknowledging that roster decisions are beyond his control. According to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, potential suitors have shown limited engagement to this point.
Draft-night trade chatter revisited
Chicago has faced criticism for not completing a draft-night trade with New Orleans. Pelicans executive Joe Dumars packaged the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to Atlanta to move up to No. 13 for Maryland center Derik Queen. A high-ranking Bulls official told the Chicago Sun-Times that New Orleans never contacted the Bulls; the official added that Chicago would have accepted the offer had it been presented.
Injury returns on a minutes limit
Smith, Isaac Okoro and Tre Jones were all on minutes restrictions Friday after recent injuries. Okoro recorded 15 points in 26 minutes, while Jones contributed six points and five assists in 25 minutes.
Source: Hoops Rumors
