NBA Trade Deadline Buzz: Bulls Fielding Offers, Kings Shopping Big Names, and More Around the League
With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, front offices across the league are working the phones - and the Chicago Bulls are firmly in the mix. According to recent reports, the Bulls have been drawing interest in point guard Tre Jones and forward/center Jalen Smith. While Jones appears to be more available, Chicago seems hesitant to move Smith unless a strong offer comes across the table.
Both players are under guaranteed contracts for next season, giving the Bulls some leverage. Jones’ deal also includes an $8 million team option for the 2027-28 season, which adds flexibility and potential value for any team looking to make a move.
That said, the Bulls are keeping their options open. Players on expiring contracts could be moved if the return makes sense.
We’ve already seen Chicago’s willingness to absorb salary - their recent acquisition of Dario Saric in exchange for a pair of second-round picks is a prime example. They’re clearing space too, waiving Jevon Carter to make room on the roster.
But don’t expect a fire sale. Chicago isn’t looking to make trades just to shuffle the deck. Players like Coby White, who’s been a steady presence, won’t be moved unless a deal truly fits their long-term vision.
And that vision? It’s centered around youth. Head coach Billy Donovan made it clear that the Bulls are focused on building with younger talent.
“We have to keep building out with younger people,” Donovan said. “I don’t think there’s any question about that from a roster standpoint.
… If you’re just talking about the guys that are here that are going to be under contract, they’re going to need more. So however those conversations take place, whether it’s in July or whether it’s at the trade deadline, I think the front office is looking to try to build it out as best they can.”
That mindset gives the Bulls some flexibility heading into the deadline, but it also means they’ll be selective - looking for the right pieces, not just any pieces.
Around the League: Kings, Cavs, and Nets in the Trade Spotlight
The Sacramento Kings are making waves of their own - and not just with who they're keeping. The team reportedly had chances to move Keon Ellis for multiple second-round picks but opted to prioritize shedding Dennis Schroder’s contract instead. They’re also high on De’Andre Hunter, valuing his size and positional fit moving forward.
Hunter had drawn interest from the Lakers as well, but L.A. backed out of talks with the Cavaliers due to Hunter’s $24.9 million salary for next season and the lack of accompanying draft compensation.
The Kings are being labeled as the “biggest sellers” at this year’s deadline. They’ve reportedly been involved in trade talks surrounding Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk.
Of the three, Sacramento appears most eager to move Monk. There’s some interest in Sabonis - with the Raptors among the teams kicking the tires - but the market for DeRozan and Monk seems softer for now.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are still trying to find a new home for Lonzo Ball. The veteran guard hasn’t had the kind of impact Cleveland hoped for in his first season there. He’s making $10 million this year, with a team option for the same amount in 2026-27.
Cleveland’s decision on whether to extend Keon Ellis - who becomes eligible on February 9 - could also affect the futures of Sam Merrill and Max Strus. Merrill has impressed when healthy, making it unlikely the Cavs would move him midseason.
Strus, on the other hand, hasn’t played yet this year due to offseason foot surgery. With just one year left on his deal after this season, his situation may come into sharper focus this summer, depending on how things shake out with Ellis.
Lastly, keep an eye on Day’Ron Sharpe in Brooklyn. The Nets aren’t eager to move the backup center, but he’s drawing interest. The Lakers, Raptors, Celtics, and Pacers have all reportedly inquired about Sharpe, showing that even fringe rotation players can become hot commodities when the deadline clock starts ticking.
Bottom Line: With just days to go before the trade deadline, teams are weighing short-term needs against long-term goals. The Bulls are walking that line carefully, balancing a commitment to youth with the realities of roster construction. Meanwhile, the Kings are open for business, the Cavs are trying to recalibrate, and teams across the league are looking for that one move that could shift their season - or their future.