The Chicago Bulls have no shortage of offensive firepower. Between their array of playmakers and reliable outside shooters, they can put points on the board with the best of them.
But if this team wants to make real noise in the Eastern Conference, it’s not the offense that needs fixing - it’s the defense. Right now, Chicago ranks 26th in the league in opponents’ points per game, giving up a staggering 121.9 per contest.
That’s a glaring red flag for any team with playoff aspirations.
The issues run deep. Chicago lacks consistent stoppers on both the perimeter and in the paint.
And while internal improvement is always the hope, this situation likely calls for outside help. Enter Herb Jones - one of the NBA’s most versatile and impactful defenders.
If the Bulls are serious about raising their defensive ceiling, exploring a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans for Jones could be a game-changer.
Proposed trade:
- Bulls receive: Herb Jones, DeAndre Jordan
- Pelicans receive: Kevin Huerter, 2026 first-round pick (via Trail Blazers), 2028 first-round pick (protected 1-14), second-round picks
Let’s break this down.
Why Herb Jones Makes Sense for Chicago
Jones isn’t just a good defender - he’s one of the league’s elite. At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, he’s built to disrupt.
Before injuries slowed him down this season, he was coming off a campaign where he finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. That’s rare air for a wing, especially one who doesn’t anchor the paint.
His defensive toolkit is extensive. He’s a menace in the passing lanes, averaging 1.6 steals per game for his career.
He’s also a lockdown option at the point of attack - the kind of defender who makes opposing ball-handlers rethink their drives and shooters second-guess their release. And unlike many perimeter defenders, Jones brings some rim protection to the table, using his length and timing to challenge shots in the paint.
For a Bulls team that’s struggling to get stops, Jones would be a defensive lifeline. Right now, players like Coby White, Isaac Okoro, Patrick Williams, Nikola Vucevic, and rookie Matas Buzelis all carry negative Defensive Box Plus/Minus ratings.
Josh Giddey, while talented, isn’t exactly a defensive anchor either. Jones could help cover for those deficiencies, taking on the toughest assignments and providing much-needed structure to a unit that lacks cohesion.
Offense Isn’t a Liability for Jones
While defense is his calling card, Jones has shown real growth on the offensive end. In his last fully healthy season, he shot over 40% from three, particularly thriving from the corners.
He’s not someone who’s going to dominate the ball or hijack possessions - and that’s exactly what the Bulls need. With scorers already in place, Jones’ ability to space the floor and stay within the flow of the offense makes him a seamless fit.
The Cost: Kevin Huerter and Picks
To land a player like Jones, the Bulls would have to give something up - and in this case, it’s Kevin Huerter plus draft capital. Huerter’s reputation as a sharpshooter still holds weight, but his production has dipped in recent seasons. His three-point stroke hasn’t consistently lived up to its billing, and while he brings some offensive versatility, he doesn’t move the needle defensively.
The bigger question is whether giving up two first-round picks is too steep. One of those picks - the 2026 first-rounder via Portland - could land in the lottery, depending on the Blazers’ trajectory.
The other, a 2028 pick protected 1-14, is a calculated risk. The Bulls are betting that by 2028, they’ll be a playoff team, making that pick a late first-rounder.
If that timeline holds, it’s a reasonable gamble for a player who could transform their defense overnight.
What’s in It for the Pelicans?
From New Orleans’ perspective, this isn’t a no-brainer. Jones is a fan favorite and a foundational piece on defense.
He’s also on a team-friendly contract, which adds to his value. But the Pelicans are in a tough spot.
They’re currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings and already owe their 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. That limits their flexibility moving forward.
If they’re not going to contend this season - and the standings suggest they won’t - then stocking up on picks makes sense. Huerter could potentially regain his form in a new environment, and the Trail Blazers’ 2026 pick could be a valuable asset. Add in a protected 2028 first and a couple of second-rounders, and it’s a respectable return for a player who, while valuable, may not be part of the Pelicans’ long-term core if they’re heading toward a retool.
It’s worth noting that Jones can’t be traded until January 15 due to the contract he signed this past offseason. But once that date hits, this kind of deal could be on the table - especially if the Pelicans decide to pivot toward the future.
Final Thoughts
This trade proposal isn’t without risk for either side. The Bulls would be giving up future assets and banking on Jones to stay healthy and maintain his defensive dominance. The Pelicans would be parting with one of their best defenders in a season where they’ve already struggled to get stops.
But for Chicago, this is the kind of move that could elevate them from fun-but-flawed to legitimately dangerous. Jones doesn’t just patch holes - he reshapes the defense entirely. If the Bulls believe in their current core and want to take the next step, this might be the bold swing they need to take.