The Chicago Bulls might not be the most competitive team in 2026-27. But they at least have an intriguing mix of components to play with on their current roster.
The balance between Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis will be fascinating to watch unfold, as will the evolving roles of both Josh Giddey and Norman Powell in the backcourt. But the Bulls, both for the purposes of internal improvement and of maximizing what they can get on the trade market, need to see development across the roster.
If Powell has another stellar season, Chicago will likely be looking to move him at the trade deadline, and his team option will grant them that flexibility. The same goes for Zach Collins, although the upside there is slightly lower.
But one player who hasn't been explored very extensively as a trade candidate to this point—seventh-year guard Tre Jones—has a chance to become an intriguing piece as well by the time we reach the deadline. Although teams are often looking for size and perimeter shooting at the deadline, Jones' $8 million team option for next season could also net the Bulls some assets.
Depending on how Powell's season unfolds, therefore, Jones' continued development will be a continued storyline to watch as we enter 2026-27.
Tre Jones isn't the highest upside backcourt piece, but he could be a real trade candidate for the Bulls
With the way this roster is currently set up, Jones will need to carve out his minutes in the backcourt alongside Rob Dillingham— who has a deadline on his team option for 2027-28 on Oct. 31. But Jones is the clearest candidate to be the first man off the bench in this rotation, and that's a valuable piece no matter how competitive the team ultimately is.
Jones had a career season last year, starting 41 games and averaging 14.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 31.5% from beyond the arc. As a smaller guard, his defensive upside is limited, but he has more than enough juice to serve as an offensive sparkplug off the bench.
His perimeter shooting will be the real factor to keep an eye on this season, though. He hasn't been a consistent 3-point shooter throughout his career, thriving primarily as an on-ball creator. But there's evidence—namely his 39.6% shooting from beyond the arc across 46 games in 2024-25—that there's something to be unlocked there.
If the Bulls are able to put him into the right positions, perhaps even pairing him with Dillingham from time to time and allowing him to play off-ball, Jones could find some solid value on the market by the time we reach the trade deadline.
A first-round pick is almost certainly out of reach, but a pair of seconds for a player like Jones—whose team option will give any organization extra flexibility on a team-friendly deal—feels reasonable. A team like the Dallas Mavericks or Miami Heat may easily find themselves in need of additional backcourt depth by mid-season, and Jones could be a worthy trade option with how tight their finances are.
Ultimately, Powell will likely be the most enticing trade candidate for Chicago this season given his starting upside and his veteran pedigree. But if we see further advancements from Jones, don't be surprised if there are a few teams inquiring about his services before the season comes to an end.
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