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Bulls need to start thinking differently about rebuild; look to trade

It’s still way too early to call the experiment a complete failure but it is time to start re-evaluating the thought behind it.Not that the bottom-half teams of the NBA talent pool were wrong in the strategy on paper. However…

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 6:51 PM
Bulls need to start thinking differently about rebuild; look to trade
Key Things to Know
  • Joe Cowley argues the Bulls must rethink their rebuilding strategy and actively explore trading Norman Powell by December.
  • The writer recommends also exploring trades for veterans Isaac Okoro, Tre Jones, and Jalen Smith.
  • Chicago is off to a 1-7 start, prompting Norman Powell to publicly call for more heart and mental toughness.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times argues that the Chicago Bulls must rethink their rebuilding strategy following a 1-7 start to the season. The writer urges the franchise to aggressively pursue trades starting in December for veteran guard Norman Powell, along with Isaac Okoro, Tre Jones, and Jalen Smith, to clear more playing time for developing young players like Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis.

Cowley criticizes the team's approach to the NBA's updated draft lottery odds, which incentivizes landing in the 4-10 range rather than the bottom three. Head coach Tiago Splitter noted Powell's questionable early-clock three-pointers, while Powell acknowledged that opposing teams are dominating Chicago. Cowley maintains that the Bulls must pivot toward developing their young core instead of relying on veterans to stay competitive.

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