As the NBA calendar flips to the new year and the trade deadline draws closer, several Chicago Bulls players have surfaced in trade speculation around the league. While change appears inevitable for parts of the roster, a recent report suggests three players are considered untouchable in trade discussions: Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue, according to a report by Evan Sidery.
The designation signals a clear direction from the Bulls’ front office. Rather than chasing short-term fixes, the organization appears committed to building around a young core with upside and long-term flexibility.
Giddey is at the center of that plan. After arriving in Chicago and earning a new contract this offseason, the Bulls have made it clear they view him as a foundational piece. His playmaking ability, size at the guard position and versatility fit the type of modern roster construction the franchise has lacked in recent years. Locking him into the core suggests the team values continuity as much as production.
Buzelis has also strengthened his standing within the organization. In his second season, the forward has taken a noticeable leap, showing improved confidence and consistency on both ends of the floor. His ability to score, rebound and defend multiple positions gives Chicago a versatile building block at a premium position. At just 20 years old, his ceiling remains high, making him a logical piece to protect as the Bulls reshape the roster.
Essengue rounds out the group, despite being sidelined with an injury. While he has not had the opportunity to fully showcase his skill set at the NBA level, the Bulls appear willing to remain patient with his development. Holding onto Essengue signals a long-term mindset.
With those three players reportedly off the table, Chicago’s focus shifts to the rest of the roster. Several veterans remain, potential trade candidates as the Bulls explore ways to gain draft capital or younger assets before the deadline. How aggressively the front office acts could determine whether this season becomes a transitional year or the beginning of a true reset or a crossroads the franchise has faced before.
The Bulls do not need to rush into splashy moves, but they cannot afford to remain passive. This stretch will test the front office’s willingness to fully commit to a long-term vision rather than chasing short-term competitiveness. If Chicago handles this deadline correctly, it could mark the first real step toward reshaping the franchise around development, flexibility, and sustainability. How the Bulls build around their identified core, and what they are willing to move to support it, will say far more than any rumor circulating the league.