Chicago Bulls Reportedly Offered Entire Roster for Luka Doncic Before Lakers Trade

The Dallas Mavericks' trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February surprised much of the NBA, as most teams, including the Chicago Bulls, were not informed or given a chance to negotiate. The Bulls reportedly would have been willing to trade nearly their entire roster, including players like Coby White, Zach LaVine, and several first-round picks, to acquire Doncic, but their offer likely would not have surpassed the Lakers' package centered on Anthony Davis. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison prioritized acquiring Davis due to his defensive skills and long-standing admiration for the former Laker, which shaped the trade negotiations. Despite the Bulls' eagerness, salary cap and roster-matching rules limited their ability to present a more competitive offer. Following the trade, Doncic posted strong regular season and playoff performances for the Lakers, but the team was eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Bulls, meanwhile, continue to rebuild after losing key players and missing the playoffs since 2022.