Here’s the most recent Chicago Bulls news (Oct. 31) after the team’s first home win of the season, including Nikola Vucevic breaking his silence on trade rumors and Coby White’s impact on winning or losing.

For the second consecutive game, Chicago dug itself a 20-point hole. But also for the second consecutive game, the team rallied to earn a victory.

After coming back to beat the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 28, the Bulls trailed the Orlando Magic by 15 after the first quarter last night but cut their deficit to 10 by halftime.

Things really picked up in the third quarter as Chicago outscored the Magic 34-25. Josh Giddey drained three critical 3-pointers (he finished 4-for-4 from deep) and Patrick Williams hit back-to-back triples.

It would be nice if the Bulls didn’t fall behind by double-digits in the first 12 minutes, but they’ve proven early in the season that they’re resilient enough to mount a comeback when they have to.

Coby White has been the difference between winning and losing

In Chicago’s three wins this season, White has been the team’s leading scorer, averaging 25.3 points per game on shooting splits of 51/49/89. He’s committed 1.7 turnovers per contest.

In the Bulls’ two losses, he’s averaged 9.5 points on splits of 28/0/63 with 3.5 turnovers.

This season is crucial for the 24-year-old. The franchise needs to know he’s capable of taking over as the lead scorer when Zach LaVine eventually leaves. This kind of inconsistency isn’t the way to inspire faith.

Vucevic, just like LaVine, has been circling in the NBA rumor mill for what seems like years. Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun Times asked the 34-year-old about it, and although Vuc hears it, he won’t be listening until something concrete begins to actually form.

“I see and hear the rumors. People in my life talk to me about it, but I don’t get involved in it too much. I suppose if something were to happen or get more serious, they would come to me, talk to me, but at this moment I don’t think about it.”

– Nikola Vucevic on trade rumors

The 14-year veteran is having a resurgent season, averaging more than 20 points for the first time since 2020-21. He’s been his usual double-double self, but he’s also draining 45.8 percent of his 4.8 threes per game.

If he continues to shoot like that, he’ll be involved in more rumors leading up to the trade deadline in February.