Trade season in the NBA is heating up, and the Bulls are right in the thick of it. Chicago has reportedly held “tangible” discussions with the Pacers about a potential deal involving Ayo Dosunmu and Bennedict Mathurin. But after making moves to bring in guards Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons on Tuesday, it’s unclear if the Bulls are still seriously pursuing Mathurin - especially since he’s also drawing interest from the Pelicans.
Chicago’s front office hasn’t stopped there. Before finalizing the Simons deal with Boston, the Bulls explored several trade options involving veteran center Nikola Vucevic.
One of those included a pitch to Cleveland: Vucevic and a future first-rounder in exchange for Jarrett Allen. The Cavs ultimately passed, likely due to a combination of salary cap complications and roster fit.
Vucevic’s $21.5 million salary edges out Allen’s $20 million, and with Cleveland hovering near the second tax apron, pulling off that trade would’ve required some serious financial gymnastics.
Interestingly, Indiana - the same team talking with Chicago about Dosunmu - has also expressed interest in Allen. So while the Bulls may be out of the running for the Cavs’ big man, he’s clearly a name to watch as the deadline nears.
Meanwhile, Chicago hasn’t given up on adding size. They’re still in the mix for Pelicans center Yves Missi, who’s been drawing attention across the league.
New Orleans is holding firm on its price - a first-round pick - but so far, no one’s stepped up to meet that demand. If the Bulls are serious about bolstering their frontcourt, Missi remains a name to watch.
There’s also some intrigue around Mike Conley, who landed in Chicago via Tuesday’s deal with Minnesota. Don’t be surprised if Conley ends up on the move again.
There’s buzz that if he were traded and then waived, the Timberwolves would be interested in bringing him back on a minimum deal. However, NBA rules prevent a team from re-signing a player they traded away if he’s waived directly by the team that acquired him - meaning a second trade would be necessary to make that scenario work.
Down in Houston, the Rockets have been linked to Bulls guard Coby White, among other potential targets. Dorian Finney-Smith has also been floated as a trade piece.
But for now, the Rockets seem content with their current roster. They’re open to minor moves involving minimum-salary players, but don’t expect a major shake-up.
One player they’re not willing to part with? Forward Tari Eason.
The 22-year-old has drawn plenty of interest ahead of restricted free agency this summer, but Houston appears committed to keeping him in the fold.
As for New Orleans, they’ve been fielding offers for both Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones - and we’re talking serious offers, including packages with multiple first-round picks. Still, the Pelicans haven’t shown much interest in moving either player. Unless something drastic changes, expect both Murphy and Jones to stick around past the deadline.
Out west, the Clippers are working the phones, too. They’re reportedly shopping Chris Paul and Kobe Brown in an effort to clear cap space and open up roster spots.
The goal? Promote two-way players Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders to full-time contracts.
Moving Paul and Brown would give L.A. the flexibility to make that happen.
And in Brooklyn, Michael Porter Jr. is taking the trade rumors in stride. The Nets forward acknowledged that what happens at the deadline is out of his hands and said he’s “at peace” with whatever comes next. While there’s been plenty of chatter around his name, the growing belief among league insiders is that Porter will stay put - at least for now.
With the trade deadline looming, front offices across the league are weighing their options. Whether it’s blockbuster deals or subtle roster tweaks, the next few days could reshape the playoff picture - and the Bulls, Rockets, Pelicans, and Clippers all have big decisions to make.