Chicago Bulls’ struggles continued unabated on Tuesday as they fell to the Orlando Magic, extending a troubling skid to 10 losses in 13 games. Josh Giddey, the six-foot-eight guard, flirted with a triple-double, scoring 22 points with nine rebounds and six assists, but also committed a game-worst eight turnovers. Despite Giddey’s offensive effort, the Bulls surrendered a fourth-quarter lead, highlighting the team’s ongoing defensive deficiencies that have plagued them all season.
The Bulls’ slide is particularly stark given their 5-0 start to the 2025-2026 campaign. Since then, poor defensive execution has been the team’s Achilles’ heel; Tuesday marked the 12th time in 13 games that Chicago allowed 120 or more points. “Defence. We’ve given up way too many points … offensively is not the problem for us,” Giddey acknowledged post-game. He stressed the need for the Bulls to reclaim their identity, focusing on rebounding, defensive intensity, and transition play.
Meanwhile, trade speculation has swirled around the franchise. Reports linking the Bulls to Mavericks superstar Anthony Davis have generated buzz, fueled by Chicago’s defensive woes and Davis’ hometown connection. However, ESPN insider Jamal Collier noted that any potential deal for Davis is unlikely in the short term. “The Bulls will not sacrifice any of their young core to execute such a deal until the team is closer to contention,” Collier wrote, citing team sources. “I don’t think going out and chasing X megastar is the way to proceed—at least today.”
Though Davis may be off the table, the Bulls are reportedly exploring other options, including targeting a player like Pascal Siakam. Sources suggest Chicago is inspired by the Indiana Pacers’ formula following their stunning 2025 NBA Finals run. “They stole our mojo,” a Pacers source told ESPN. “They said before the season they were going to emulate our play style. Giddey playing the role as Tyrese. The fast pace, the late-game comebacks, wearing teams down.” Another Bulls insider added, “They have Haliburton, who is an All-Star, and they have Siakam. If Giddey can develop into an All-Star and be what Hali was, when do we pull the trigger to get our Siakam?”
Off the court, Giddey has shown signs of maturation, improving his shooting and offensive versatility. Entering Tuesday’s game, he averaged 20.5 points per contest, shooting 46.9% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range. While his first half in Florida was modest—just two points on 1-of-2 shooting—Giddey elevated his game in the second half, connecting on three of six attempts from deep. His confidence, he says, stems from a productive off-season and an expanded shooting range that allows him to attack the basket more effectively.
Elsewhere, Dyson Daniels continued his quiet rise, going toe-to-toe with Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham. Daniels limited Cunningham to 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting while contributing 10 points, five assists, four rebounds, and four steals for the Hawks. Despite a valiant late-game effort, Daniels’ team fell short, underscoring that even standout individual performances may not be enough to change team fortunes without collective execution.
With Giddey developing into a franchise cornerstone and Chicago exploring high-stakes trade options, the Bulls’ next moves could determine whether this slump is a temporary setback or the start of a deeper crisis. Fans are left watching closely: will Chicago capitalize on Giddey’s rise, or continue to chase the elusive solution to their defensive woes?
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