Anonymous Pacers Player Says Bulls 'Stole Our Mojo,' Insider Eyes Siakam-Like Trade

The Chicago Bulls have already endured some ups and downs to start the 2025-26 season, and one opposing player has a theory about their approach to this year.

The Bulls started the season with a 6-1 record but fell to 9-10 with Saturday's 103-101 loss to the Indiana Pacers. ESPN's Jamal Collier spoke to a Pacers team source who accused Chicago of trying to recreate the formula that helped Indiana make it to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.

"They stole our mojo," the source said. "They said before the season they were going to emulate our play style. [Josh] Giddey playing the role as Tyrese [Haliburton]. The fast pace, the late-game comebacks, wearing teams down."

Bulls-Pacers Full Highlights

01:31

Collier noted that multiple Bulls team sources "acknowledged the similarities between what they are trying to build and the way Indiana constructed a contender." However, Chicago doesn't play as well on defense, and it lacks the second star that the Pacers added when they acquired Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. Some around the Bulls feel that it's time to rectify that.

"They have Haliburton, who is an All-Star, and they have Siakam," one Bulls source told Collier. "If Giddey can develop into an All-Star and be what Hali was, when do we pull the trigger to get our Siakam?"

Giddey is averaging a near-triple-double with 20.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game. However, the Bulls will have to start winning consistently if he hopes to be recognized as one of the best players in the league.

Chicago will be looking to end a three-game losing streak when it meets the Orlando Magic (12-8) on Monday night.