Like it or not, the Chicago Bulls are mentioned in every potential trade around the NBA. Despite being high on their young core, whenever there is a possibility to improve the roster, many mention the six-time NBA champions.
The Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis rumors have gone cold now, but the Bulls could still make a big move and improve.
At 15-17, Chicago still lacks what it takes to aspire for a playoff spot. Josh Giddey continues to shine, but it has been abundantly clear that the Australian point guard won't drag the team back to the top of the league alone.
Bulls could add Trae Young after latest report
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that teams around the league believe the Atlanta Hawks would be more willing than ever to ship Trae Young somewhere else. The catch with this move would be whether the Hawks can find a suitable deal for Young.
While he is not at the level of Antetokounmpo or a healthy Davis in terms of championship pedigree, Young could take the Bulls to a new level. The 2026 trade deadline is set for Feb. 5, meaning that Chicago would have time to work on a deal if it decides to bring Young in.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon noted that Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball are in similar situations, but they all face the same issue with a potential trade.
“If there is an attempt to trade these guys, it’s not going to be easy,” MacMahon said. “There’s not going to be some wide array of teams raising their hand and trying to get in on the bidding, and I’m not sure if you’re even gonna be able to make a trade that’s going to bring value in return.”
Should Bulls trade for Trae Young?
It would be intriguing to see how Billy Donovan works with Giddey and Young in the backcourt. It looks like Young would move to the two, and Giddey would continue as the floor general. Young's 3-point shooting has decreased in the last three seasons (37.3 percent in 2023-24, 34.0 percent in 2024-25 and 30.5 percent in 2025-26).
Perhaps a change of scenario can revive Young's career. His best season to date came in 2020-21. He took the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals after a memorable first-round series against the New York Knicks and another dramatic win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the semis.
It is difficult to imagine an NBA team succeeding with two guards as its best players. If the front office somehow works magic and adds a wing or a big man to complement Young and Giddey, the Bulls could be onto something.