Bulls Eye Opportunity to Acquire 3-Time All-NBA Center

Avery K. Bristow

Published: February 4, 2026 8:02 PM ET

Karl-Anthony Towns is emerging as a significant trade target for the Chicago Bulls as the New York Knicks consider moving the All-NBA center. Recent reports indicate that the Knicks have significantly lowered their asking price, creating an opportunity for the Bulls to make a strategic move.

Bulls Eye Opportunity to Acquire 3-Time All-NBA Center

According to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, if the Knicks decide to trade Towns, they would prefer to receive “salary-matching players and, maybe, small draft compensation.” With the Bulls needing both a center and a superstar, the prospect of acquiring Towns is increasingly appealing.

Current Roster Challenges

The Bulls face a serious issue at the center position. At 35 years old, Nikola Vucevic remains the starting center. However, he lacks the mobility and defensive skills required for a team aiming to enhance its athleticism and tempo. Currently, Vucevic has started in 375 games since joining the Bulls during the 2020-21 season.

Vucevic’s statistics include:

10 games played by backup Zach Collins out of a possible 50.
Collins, Andre Drummond, and Tristan Thompson have served as primary backups during Vucevic’s tenure.

Considering these circumstances, an upgrade at the center position is overdue. Despite having a challenging season, Towns remains a significant talent. Currently, he averages 20.0 points per game with shooting percentages of 46.1% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc. In comparison, his career averages are 22.9 points, with shooting percentages of 52.0% and 39.8% respectively.

The Financial Aspects

Towns’ time in New York appears to be nearing its end. He is contracted to earn $57.1 million next season and $61 million in 2027-28, which likely motivates the Knicks to seek a trade. Despite this, his previous accolades as a third-team All-NBA player showcase his potential. Competing under new head coach Mike Brown has presented challenges for Towns, which could be alleviated through a fresh start.

Potential Trade Mechanics

Should the Knicks proceed with their trade discussions, the Bulls have the necessary resources to meet their requests. Here are some assets Chicago can offer:

Expiring contracts for key players such as Vucevic, Collins, and Kevin Huerter, all valued between $18 and $21 million.
First-round draft picks available for the next seven seasons.
An additional first-round pick acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Two new second-round picks recently acquired.

If Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas can successfully negotiate for Towns at this lower price, pursuing this trade could significantly enhance the team’s competitiveness.