The Chicago Bulls’ trade rumors are heating up, and one of the biggest names linked to the organization is Zion Williamson, the forward from the New Orleans Pelicans.

Over the past two weeks, Williamson’s name has consistently surfaced in speculation surrounding potential roster upgrades for Chicago, with insiders and journalists pointing to the Bulls as a realistic destination.

The Pelicans currently sit tied for the worst record in the NBA, and management is reportedly evaluating whether Williamson fits into their long-term plans, given his high contract, inconsistent availability due to injuries, and fit with the emerging young talent in New Orleans.

Chicago’s interest in Williamson stems from a desire to acquire a game-changing star capable of immediately impacting both on the court and in the fanbase, providing excitement and a focal point for the team’s rebuilding trajectory.

According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Pelicans appear more willing to trade their second-year center, Yves Missi, a 21-year-old with athleticism and rim protection that Chicago desperately needs.

Missi’s potential is widely regarded as high, and with Derik Queen emerging as New Orleans’ primary big man, the team may view sending Missi to another organization as a reasonable option to maximize their rebuilding efforts.

Ideally, the Bulls would acquire both Williamson and Missi while shedding expiring contracts to a team that values short-term cap flexibility, creating a win-win scenario for both franchises.

Cowley notes, however, that any potential deal is complicated by New Orleans’ desire for future draft capital, something Chicago has historically been reluctant to part with, particularly given the value of first-round picks in the modern NBA.

The reported chatter, according to CourtSideHeat, confirms that ongoing talks have focused on Williamson and Missi, though interest in Williamson may have quieted slightly as discussions progress.

If Bulls Executive VP of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnisovas were to orchestrate a deal, the proposed structure could look something like this:

New Orleans Receives: Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, Jevon Carter, 2028 Second-Round Pick

Chicago Bulls Receive: Zion Williamson, Yves Missi

Such a trade would allow Chicago to unload expiring contracts for White, Vucevic, and Carter, freeing up significant salary cap space for future roster flexibility.

Additionally, New Orleans could retain the option to sign White long-term, integrating him into a young core and reshaping the team’s foundation while also acquiring future draft assets.

For Chicago, Williamson would instantly become the team’s most popular player, energizing the fanbase and providing a clear star to build around heading into the post-Play-In era.

Williamson’s contract, though sizable and incentive-heavy, is not considered prohibitively risky for a team in Chicago’s position, particularly when paired with a younger, high-upside center like Missi.

Missi provides the Bulls with a versatile, athletic big man capable of protecting the rim, finishing above the basket, and contributing to both ends of the floor as the team works to develop a modern, well-rounded roster.

According to Cowley, there has been noticeable momentum around Missi in trade discussions, with his youth and potential making him a target of considerable interest for Chicago.

The Bulls have multiple expiring contracts available, which could serve as trade currency to acquire Missi with minimal future cost, allowing Chicago to manage both immediate talent upgrades and long-term flexibility.

Karnisovas’ history at the trade deadline suggests that he is not averse to bold moves, but timing is critical, especially given that Williamson’s market value is expected to rise as the deadline approaches.

The most likely scenario, insiders suggest, would be a smaller trade targeting Missi alone, potentially including an expiring contract or a low-level draft pick, ensuring Chicago adds young talent without overcommitting resources.

If the Bulls were to land Williamson as well, it would represent a landmark move for Karnisovas, potentially one of the most impactful trades of his tenure, combining star power with developmental upside and immediate salary relief.

For Chicago, acquiring Williamson and Missi simultaneously would address two major franchise needs: a superstar-level presence and a long-term answer at center, giving the team a more balanced roster to compete in the Eastern Conference.

The trade would also signal a commitment to aggressive roster construction, moving beyond cautious incremental changes and toward a bold strategy designed to elevate the Bulls from mediocrity to true contention.

Williamson’s combination of size, athleticism, and scoring versatility makes him a rare commodity in the NBA, capable of transforming both the offense and identity of the team in a single season.

Meanwhile, Missi represents upside and modern positional versatility, allowing Chicago to defend multiple positions, switch on pick-and-rolls, and develop a long-term cornerstone in the paint.

Fans and analysts alike see the potential upside in a scenario where both players join the Bulls, providing a blend of immediate impact and sustainable growth for years to come.

Timing remains critical, as the approaching trade deadline creates both pressure and opportunity for Chicago to execute, especially before Williamson’s market demands escalate further.

Even if only one player—most likely Missi—were acquired, the trade could still represent a step forward, addressing Chicago’s need for a young, athletic center while keeping future flexibility intact.

Ultimately, the Bulls’ front office must weigh risk versus reward, balancing the allure of a superstar acquisition with the realities of roster construction, contract management, and draft capital preservation.

The proposed trade scenario reflects a strategic opportunity to reconfigure the Bulls’ roster, combining veteran salary relief, draft capital management, and the addition of talent capable of shaping the team’s future.

As trade talks continue to swirl, Chicago fans are watching closely, hoping that Karnisovas can execute a move that delivers both excitement and substance, transforming the team from perennial Play-In participants into a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.

With Williamson’s potential, Missi’s upside, and the Bulls’ flexibility, this could be the franchise-defining moment that reshapes the landscape in Chicago—and perhaps gives the team the star power it has long sought.