Bulls Trade Former Arizona Wing Dalen Terry to Knicks in Deadline Deal

In a significant move that shakes up the rotation for two historic Eastern Conference franchises, the Chicago Bulls have traded former Arizona Wildcats wing Dalen Terry to the New York Knicks. The deal, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday night, offers the young guard a much-needed career reset in the Big Apple while the Bulls acquire forward Guerschon Yabusele in return.

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A Fresh Start After a Quiet Chicago Tenure

For Dalen Terry, the trade comes as a welcome opportunity to revitalize a career that had stalled somewhat in the Windy City. After a forgettable run in Chicago where consistent minutes were hard to come by, Terry now heads to a contending situation in New York.

The 23-year-old was originally drafted 18th overall in 2022 following two standout seasons at the University of Arizona. His time with the Bulls, however, was defined by fluctuating roles and limited court time. In his first season, he played supporting minutes, and over the last two-and-a-half seasons, he averaged just about 12 minutes per game.

In the current 2025-26 NBA season, Terry has appeared in 34 games, posting averages of 3.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. While those raw numbers suggest a minor role, they belie the potential he still possesses as a versatile defender and improving playmaker. Now in the final year of his rookie contract, Terry has every incentive to prove his worth to the Knicks' front office as he approaches restricted free agency.

Shooting Improvements and Offensive Fit

One of the most intriguing aspects of this trade for the New York Knicks is the evident improvement in Terry's jump shot—a swing skill that largely determines a wing player's value in the modern NBA.

Despite his limited usage in Chicago, Terry has been efficient when called upon. He is currently shooting a career-best 41.3 percent from 3-point range on 46 attempts this season. Overall, his field goal percentage sits at a respectable 44.1%. For a Knicks team that relies heavily on spacing the floor for their primary scorers, adding a low-usage wing who can knock down open corner threes is a strategic upgrade. If Terry can maintain this efficiency with slightly higher volume in New York, he could quickly become a staple in the rotation.

Addressing the Knicks' Injury Woes

The timing of this acquisition could not be better for New York. The Knicks are currently firmly entrenched as contenders, tied for second place in the Eastern Conference standings. However, the grind of the season has taken a toll on their roster depth.

New York is currently navigating a difficult stretch dealing with injuries to key rotation pieces, specifically shooting guards Josh Hart and Miles McBride. The absence of these two tenacious defenders has left a void in the backcourt that head coach Tom Thibodeau needs to fill immediately. Terry figures to add more depth to the Knicks backcourt, bringing a similar profile of energy, length, and defensive versatility that Hart and McBride provide. His 6-foot-7 frame allows him to switch across multiple positions, a trait that is highly valued in New York’s defensive schemes.

Recent Surge Signals Readiness

While Terry’s overall tenure in Chicago was inconsistent, his recent form suggests he is ready to contribute immediately. In the games leading up to the trade, Terry’s playing time was starting to increase significantly.

Just this past weekend, he logged 29 and 28 minutes in back-to-back games against the Miami Heat. This uptick in utilization indicates that he is in game shape and capable of handling starter-level minutes if required. The Knicks are acquiring a player who is not only hungry for a new opportunity but is also physically prepared to step onto the court and compete at a high intensity immediately.

Conclusion: A Win-Win Scenario?

As the dust settles on this deadline deal, both teams move forward with clear objectives. The Chicago Bulls receive Guerschon Yabusele, adding a different look to their frontcourt as they continue to reshape their roster.

However, the spotlight is firmly on Dalen Terry. No longer buried on the bench, the former Arizona star has the platform to showcase his growth on one of the league's biggest stages. By joining a contending New York Knicks team in desperate need of healthy bodies, Terry has the chance to turn a "career reset" into a long-term home. As the playoffs approach, his development from a depth piece to a reliable contributor could be a key storyline to watch in the East.