Chicago’s Trade Deadline Plan Just Added A New Twist
The Chicago Bulls dropped their second consecutive game tonight, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves 136-101. Zach Collins was sorely missed in this one, having been the most consistent center on the roster and providing energy in the paint on both ends. Chicago trailed almost the entire way, and this was a lopsided contest for the final three quarters of action. The last two outings have continued the trend of extreme polarity for the Bulls this season. After winning five in a row, they’ve now begun a new losing streak, one they will hope to snap against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. They’re 0-2 against the eight-win Pels this year. One late injury in tonight’s game might turn the tide for the next month of Arturas Karnisovas’s decisions.
Josh Giddey Limped Off And Did Not Return
Tonight’s game went from bad to worse when starting point guard Josh Giddey walked off the floor gingerly. Early reports indicate a hamstring injury for the 23-year-old, and he did not return to the game. If his absence is extended, and the Bulls continue to drop in the standings without his impact, a fire sale at the trade deadline would be practically guaranteed.
UPDATE: Josh Giddey (hamstring) will not return tonight. pic.twitter.com/Pne9s6B10O
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 30, 2025
In his second year with Chicago, Giddey has emerged as the best player on the roster. He’s nearly averaging a triple-double, posting 19.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per contest. Without his offensive playmaking and orchaestrating that side of the floor, the Bulls will tumble quickly.
Coby White Also Left The Game
As if Giddey wasn’t enough of a blow for Chicago on the night in addition to the loss, Coby White was also sidelined. White’s injury is more problematic, seeing that it is the same right calf that held him out of the first portion of the season, this might mean longer term issues. He would exit and head straight to the locker room, and not return for the remainder of the game. The Bulls are now without their two top scoring and playmaking guards.
White was limping and replays seemed to indicate him grabbing his lower right leg. White suffered right calf strain in August that sidelined him for the first 11 games. Stay tuned. https://t.co/0GS0c3eGrw
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 30, 2025
If the team has to play any games without one or two of their best players, things could go south in a hurry. Both injuries on the same night have to lean the franchise toward a fire sale mentality, especially if the losses start to pile up in the next month.
Did these injuries officially force Karnisovas’s hand on the trade market, or will the reserves somehow scrap together enough wins to keep the front office’s faith in contention alive?