The Chicago Bulls have been on a vicious downward spiral over the last few weeks. They've gone 3-13 over their most recent 16 games, and are riding a seven-game losing streak. Josh Giddey, Nikola Vucevic, Jevon Carter, and Coby White have all commented on the mental state of the locker room, and the cohesion within the team is seemingly dipping alongside their performance. Since November, several All-Stars have been rumored to be connected with the Bulls in trade talks of some capacity, ranging from Anthony Davis to Giannis Antetokounmpo, and half a dozen others that're rumored to be on the move. With all of the wild trade scenarios and predicted outcomes, here's the most likely transaction to take place in the next month.
Zion Williamson Will Be A Chicago Bull
The top-tier All-NBA talents, such as Davis or Antetokounmpo, would realistically demand an unaffordable package, not present an appealing enough destination, and require a gamble that the Chicago front office has proven unwilling to accept. However, a second-tier All-Star, who has a few flaws as an asset, that desperately needs a career reset, would be more feasible for the Bulls. Zion Williamson is the perfect candidate. The New Orleans Pelicans are 3-22, among the worst records in the league, and have already implemented Williamson's replacement in the form of Derik Queen. He's slated to earn north of $40 million annually over the next three seasons and would address Chicago's most significant flaw: an inside presence. With reports of New Orleans shopping for the former All-Star, the Bulls are reportedly on the prowl.
The Bulls are viewed as a realistic potential trade destination for Zion Williamson due to owning over $80 million in expiring contracts.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 7, 2025
The Pelicans are preparing to move on for good from the failed Zion era for a relatively cheap price due to his unreliable injury history. pic.twitter.com/fCf3C4q7UE
Although reports of Chicago turning away Antetokounmpo's camp have since been called into question by conflicting information, the desire to keep the current core together would not be a surprising answer from Arturas Karnisovas. A Williamson deal allows them to retain most of their assets while providing an All-Star caliber talent to shake things up.
Low Risk, High Reward Trade
Whether it is for the former Duke Blue Devil or someone else, Chicago is expected to make a move before this year's trade deadline in February. They're sliding in the standings with each passing game, and since Karnisovas has stood firm that the goal is always to compete for NBA titles, they will need to adjust their approach to stay afloat. With Vucevic on an expiring contract and a surplus of guards on the roster, flipping their center and a few young guards is a predictable deal. How gutsy does Karnisovas get, and how much losing pushes him to a breaking point on executing a trade?
Zion Williamson basically begging to be traded to Chicago. He loves the United Center 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9bVHK13WBn
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@Bullsfans) January 15, 2025
Chicago is already one of Williamson's favorite NBA franchises. This would give one of the league's best playmaking guards, Giddey, a lob threat unlike anyone else on the roster. This trade would also move Matas Buzelis to a small forward role, where he won't be as consistently overmatched and overpowered on defense.
Would you endorse Zion Williamson in a Chicago Bulls uniform?
