The Chicago Bulls have more cap space than any other team in the league heading into the offseason. This gives them a ton of flexibility as they build out their roster for the future. New GM Bryson Graham is expected to embrace the rebuild, and nothing should be off the table.
Thanks to the lottery reform, however, there is little incentive to bottom out. Since the teams with the three worst records in the NBA have a lower chance of selecting at the top of the draft, non-playoff teams like the Bulls will still try to be as competitive as possible. That means that we can see the Bulls acquire more talent for next season.
Obviously, this can't come at the expense of their future assets and flexibility. But if there is an asset play where the Bulls add young talent without giving up too much, they would be wise to consider it.
That is why a potential trade with the New Orleans Pelicans involving Zion Williamson is a fascinating one. The Pelicans are reportedly desperate to trade into the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, creating a win-win scenario for both teams. Chicago can hit two birds with one stone in this scenario, moving on from Patrick Williams while adding star talent with upside.
Bulls shouldn't rule out being buyers at the NBA Draft
In this scenario, the Bulls give up Isaac Okoro, Rob Dillingham, and the No. 15 pick, in addition to Williams, to acquire Williamson.
There is value in moving on from Williams alone. He is due $18 million in each of the next three seasons, making him one of the most overpaid players in the league.
New Orleans could try to rehabilitate Williams' value by giving him a fresh start. They also acquire a solid defender in Okoro and another developmental project in Dillingham. They gain some financial flexibility as they get cheaper after moving Williamson's $42.1 million salary for next season.
Williamson's fit in Chicago may not seem obvious, especially since the Bulls are expected to draft Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 pick. With Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue already on the books, Williamson may seem redundant.
The benefit of adding Williamson is that it allows Chicago to bring along Essengue and Wilson slowly. Plus, Wilson, Buzelis, and Williamson can play together in fascinating lineups. That trio in the open court with Josh Giddey running the show would be a great spectacle.
Williamson doesn't have to be a part of the long-term plans for this trade to be a savvy move for Chicago. There are obvious health and availability concerns about the 25-year-old power forward, but if he can stay as healthy as he was last year, the Bulls will be able to trade him for positive value again down the line.
The Bulls have to bring in as much talent and upside through the door as possible. The on-court fit has to be secondary until they have a team good enough to compete. Williamson has more upside than any player Chicago can select with the No. 15 pick, making this a gamble worth considering.
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