The Chicago Bulls have been one of the most heavily mentioned teams in trade talks for the last month. With the looming cap space this summer, a slew of draft capital, and a sinking ship of a product this season, the league sees them either pushing their chips in on a big-name star or fire-selling their expiring assets to stockpile for the future. Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson, and others have been linked to the Bulls, as well as reports that Coby White or Nikola Vucevic could be shopped in the coming weeks. Much of which direction they'll commit to depends on the results over the next month, which, based on the last two weeks, will continue to plummet. Despite the recent struggles, a new report suggests the Bulls are "on the short list" for this former All-Star.
Domantas Sabonis Is Being Heavily Linked To Chicago
Out of all of the All-Star caliber talents being named in relation to Chicago, Domantas Sabonis is one of the weakest fits. His pass-first offensive style, paired with his weak interior defense, does not offer the Bulls much appeal. Josh Giddey nearly averages a triple-double per night and handles most of the distributing duties. An inside presence on both offense and defense is what Chicago sorely lacks, someone who is a lob threat and a rim protector. Sabonis is neither. Regardless of the ill fit, the latest news is that he could be headed to the Windy City.
The Bulls, Suns and Wizards are believed to be on the short list for potential Domantas Sabonis trade suitors, per @sam_amick (https://t.co/NGgFlWwYc8).
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 12, 2025
Sacramento is very open to moving Sabonis, but his large salary and specific fit make it tough to find a strong marketplace. pic.twitter.com/YCj9mapThW
This trade would likely draw Nikola Vucevic out of town and require youthful assets or draft capital to complete. Sacramento is in a similarly mediocre position as Chicago and is likely seeking a way to jump-start a rebuild. This is not the trade that Arturas Karnisovas should pursue.
The Fit In Chicago
Sabonis is a solid all-around talent. He posts similar numbers to Giddey in the triple-double and facilitating areas, and rebounds well for his size. However, when at his best, he's handling the ball and distributing from the middle of the floor, something Chicago does not need. Consider the awkward fit in the lineup, given that he's owed an average of $45 million over the next three seasons, and he's already 29; this money can be allocated more effectively elsewhere.
Domantas Sabonis is a name to monitor for the Bulls on the trade market.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) November 25, 2025
If the Kings are open to offers, Chicago can construct an enticing package that includes multiple assets. It’s also worth noting that Sabonis and Bulls EVP Artūras Karnišovas each have Lithuanian roots.
As painful as it may be to admit, this is a very on-brand trade for the Karnisovas leadership group. While there's seemingly plenty of other options leaguewide, and ones that would much better suit the Bulls' current core, they wouldn't shock any of the fans by executing this one.
Would you support a Sabonis deal to Chicago, or would you prefer the Bulls bid for another All-Star talent?
