The Chicago Bulls have no shortage of offensive talent. Between their shot creators, floor spacers, and playmakers, they’ve built a roster that can put up points in bunches.
But here’s the catch - they’re giving up even more on the other end. Right now, Chicago ranks 26th in the league in opponents' points per game, allowing 121.9 a night.
That’s a number that screams for change if this team wants to be taken seriously in the Eastern Conference.
The issue isn’t just one area of the floor - it’s both. The Bulls are lacking impact defenders on the perimeter and in the paint.
That kind of defensive imbalance is tough to overcome, especially when you’re trying to build a playoff-caliber team. A trade might be their best shot at fixing it, and one name that makes a lot of sense?
Herb Jones.
Jones has quietly become one of the NBA’s premier defenders. At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, he brings the kind of disruptive length and agility that coaches dream about.
Before injuries slowed him down this season, Jones finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting - a rare feat for a non-center. He’s a defensive Swiss Army knife who can guard multiple positions, blow up passing lanes, and even protect the rim better than most wings.
Let’s break down the 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
For the Bulls, this is about plugging a glaring hole. Herb Jones would immediately become their best defender - and it wouldn’t be particularly close.
Look at the current roster: Coby White, Isaac Okoro, Patrick Williams, Nikola Vucevic, and rookie Matas Buzelis all carry negative Defensive Box Plus/Minus ratings. Josh Giddey, while gifted offensively, isn’t known for locking anyone down.
Jones would be a game-changer for this group. He could take on the toughest assignment every night and cover for the defensive lapses that have plagued Chicago all season.
And Jones isn’t just a one-way player anymore. In his last fully healthy campaign, he shot over 40% from three - particularly dangerous from the corners.
His offensive numbers are down this year, but he doesn’t need to be a high-usage scorer to help this team. He fits in as a low-maintenance, high-impact role player who won’t disrupt the Bulls’ offensive rhythm.
Of course, a move like this comes at a cost. Kevin Huerter is headed the other way, along with a pair of first-round picks.
Huerter’s reputation as a sharpshooter has taken a hit lately - the consistency just hasn’t been there. And while giving up two firsts is never easy, the Bulls would be betting on themselves to be a playoff team by 2028, which would preserve the protection on that second pick.
It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off if Jones helps elevate the team’s defensive ceiling.
From the Pelicans’ side, this is a tough call. They’re already sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference, and with their 2026 first-round pick owed to Atlanta, there’s little incentive to tank.
But if the playoffs are slipping out of reach, it might be time to pivot. This deal would bring in a pair of first-rounders - including a potentially valuable one via Portland - and a chance to see if Huerter can recapture his shooting form in a new environment.
Still, trading Jones would be a significant blow to New Orleans’ defense. He’s under a reasonable contract, and players like him don’t grow on trees. The Pelicans would have to weigh the long-term benefits of adding draft capital against the short-term hit to their already struggling defense.
One important wrinkle: Jones can’t be traded until January 15 due to the new contract he signed this past offseason. That gives both teams some time to evaluate their situations.
For Chicago, it’s about deciding whether to go all-in on fixing their defense midseason. For New Orleans, it’s about determining whether this year’s struggles are a blip or a sign that it’s time to retool.
Bottom line: If the Bulls are serious about turning their season around, this is the kind of bold, defense-first move that could change their trajectory. And if the Pelicans are ready to think ahead, this deal gives them a solid return for one of their most valuable assets.