After Trae Young was dealt to the Washington Wizards, the next big name to officially hit the NBA trade market was Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant. Rather than make a move for the more obvious candidate, however, the Chicago Bulls should be attempting to acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. from Grind City.
Morant should be off the table for Chicago, given the question marks that surround him both on and off the court. Jackson is a different story altogether.
The 26-year-old's two-way skill set is ideal for the Bulls. If the franchise is ever going to create a dramatic shakeup (no, seriously, like ever), this is one that fits the organization's intended direction to a T.
Bulls should go all in to trade for Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr.
With barely three weeks to go until the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline, Chicago remains a semi-popular name -- but for players they'll deal, not ones they could acquire.
Coby White is the most common name tossed around. Ayo Dosunmu would be a sneaky valuable addition for guard-needy teams. Nikola Vucevic, even if he fetches the Bulls only a second-round pick, should be headed elsewhere.
But a trade for Jackson Jr. should be at the top of Bulls Executive VP of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas's wishlist.
Jackson Jr. is one of the league's most unique bigs. At 6-foot-10, he has the footspeed and agility to defend three positions, or at times four. He's blocked 1.9 shots per game across his seven-plus NBA seasons.
He's so dominant, in fact, that he earned the 2022-23 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award after averaging a wild 4.0 stocks (steals plus blocks). He swatted 3.0 shots per game and grabbed 1.0 steals per contest that season.
He's also made three All-Defense teams and has led the league in blocks twice.
But he's no slouch on the other end. The fourth overall pick in the 2018 draft is a career 35.1 percent 3-point shooter, and not on a small volume, either. He's averaged at least 5.0 attempts per game in five of his seven full seasons.
From 2023-2025, Jackson Jr.'s stat line of 22.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks with shooting splits of 47/35/80 is deserving of more recognition.
His athleticism, ability to space the floor and versatility to not only protect the rim but guard multiple positions would make him invaluable for a team that loves to run the floor, shoot threes and can't defend the rim.
Chicago needs to avoid Ja Morant at all costs
The Bulls could use a jolt of excitement around the organization, and Morant would certainly provide some headlines. He remains a blur in transition and can get downhill in the half-court. He can still spray passes out to open shooters. Those are important qualities Bulls Head Coach Billy Donovan looks for in a lead guard. And perhaps more importantly, he's officially gettable.
Jackson Jr. would come at a much higher cost. Several expiring contracts, a 19-year-old former lottery pick like Noa Essengue and a horde of first-round picks would need to be included in any trade.
But according to Kelly Iko of YahooSports, the former Michigan State standout could be had if Morant is indeed traded.
Regardless, Karnisovas should hand the Grizzlies a blank (asset) check to bring a franchise-changing, two-way force to Chicago.