The Chicago Bulls are once again emerging as a name to watch in the NBA trade market, with growing buzz around their interest in Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr., one of the league’s most productive scorers this season. As the trade deadline approaches, league sources suggest Chicago is actively monitoring the situation, revisiting an idea that has been on their radar for more than a year.

Porter, now wearing a Brooklyn uniform, is in the middle of a true breakout campaign. The 6-foot-10 forward is averaging a career-high 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, firmly placing himself among the NBA’s most valuable offensive weapons. His blend of size, shooting, and shot creation has made him one of the most coveted names available, even if Brooklyn is not aggressively shopping him.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Bulls are not alone in their interest. The Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, and Chicago Bulls have all been identified as potential landing spots should Brooklyn decide to move Porter. Still, Chicago’s pursuit stands out because it dates back to last season, when discussions with Denver nearly resulted in a blockbuster deal.

A Deal That Nearly Happened

Before Zach LaVine was eventually traded to the Sacramento Kings, the Bulls were reportedly deep in negotiations with the Denver Nuggets about a LaVine-for-Porter swap. Fischer reported that those talks had real momentum and were viewed favorably by several voices inside Denver’s front office.

“The Bulls, sources say, were in serious discussions with the Nuggets last season about swapping Zach LaVine for Porter,” Fischer wrote. “That actually seemed to be the preferred path for several voices in Denver’s front office.”

From Denver’s perspective, adding LaVine would have meant pairing another explosive scorer with Jamal Murray, while also giving Nikola Jokic an elite slasher and transition threat. For Chicago, the appeal was obvious: Porter would have become the franchise’s clear No. 1 offensive option, a long-term building block with size and shooting that fits the modern NBA.

Ultimately, the Nuggets pivoted in a different direction, opting to deal Porter to Brooklyn in a move that brought back Cam Johnson, prioritizing two-way versatility and lineup flexibility. That decision delayed what now looks like Porter’s full offensive emergence.

Porter’s Rise Changes the Conversation

In Brooklyn, Porter has expanded his offensive profile well beyond the catch-and-shoot role he was best known for in Denver. This season, he has recorded 25 or more points in 17 games, the eighth-most among all active players. By comparison, the entire Bulls roster has combined for the same number of 25-point performances.

His shooting efficiency has remained elite, posting 49.6% from the field, 41.0% from three, and 81.2% from the free-throw line. More importantly, he has shown growth as a self-creator, attacking closeouts, scoring at all three levels, and shouldering late-game responsibilities.

Had the Bulls acquired Porter last season, there is a growing belief around the league that his ascent to near-superstar production may have happened even sooner. Instead, Chicago moved LaVine to Sacramento for a relatively modest return that included a future first-round pick, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and Zach Collins—a deal widely viewed as a reset rather than a transformational move.

Bulls See Porter as a Cornerstone

Chicago’s continued interest suggests they view Porter as more than just another high-level scorer. Internally, the belief appears to be that Porter could serve as a franchise cornerstone, someone capable of anchoring the offense while the team reshapes its identity post-LaVine.

Porter’s championship experience with Denver, combined with his size and floor-spacing ability, fits cleanly with where the Bulls want to go. At 26 years old, he aligns with a retooling timeline rather than a full teardown, giving Chicago a player who can compete now while still offering long-term upside.

From an asset standpoint, the Bulls are in a reasonable position to make a compelling offer. They control two first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, along with several young players who could appeal to a Nets team prioritizing flexibility and future optionality.

Brooklyn’s Calculated Patience

That said, Brooklyn is under no pressure to rush a decision. Fischer notes that the Nets are listening to offers, not actively pushing Porter onto the market. There is also a strategic argument for waiting until the offseason, when Porter’s contract could be used as outgoing salary in a larger, more aggressive roster-building move.

Brooklyn’s front office understands Porter’s value may never be higher. Moving him now would require a package that clearly accelerates their long-term plan, whether through premium draft capital, young talent, or both.

What Happens Next?

As the trade deadline draws closer, Chicago’s interest in Michael Porter Jr. is expected to remain very real. Whether that interest turns into a formal offer strong enough to move Brooklyn remains uncertain, but the logic is undeniable. The Bulls need a true offensive engine, and Porter has proven he can be exactly that.

For now, this is a situation worth monitoring closely. If Chicago decides to push its chips in, Michael Porter Jr. could become the face of the Bulls’ next era—or at the very least, the most impactful gamble the franchise has taken in years.