Chicago Bulls’ blockbuster trade rumor just isn’t worth it

Imagn Images

Chicago Bulls’ blockbuster trade rumor just isn’t worth it

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Jun 15, 2026 12:22 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls are now entering a critical offseason in which they will have a golden opportunity to improve and set their team up for the future.

The Bulls are armed with expansive cap room and own two top-15 picks in this year’s NBA Draft, including the No. 4 overall selection thank to some lottery luck.

The general consensus is that AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer will come off the board with the first three picks next Tuesday, which would leave North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson for Chicago. But is it possible the Bulls will look to swing a trade?

There has been plenty of speculation that Chicago will aim to move up in the draft order, and while vaulting all the way up to No. 1 has been floated as an idea, it doesn’t seem like the Washington Wizards will budge off of the chance to select Dybantsa.

A more realistic proposition is trading up to No. 3 and taking Ja Morant’s contract off the Memphis Grizzlies’ hands in the process, but is it really worth it?

Chicago Bulls’ trade rumor with Memphis Grizzlies isn’t too enticing

Dec 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

A potential Bulls-Grizzlies trade has been a hot topic of discussion in recent weeks. The thought is that Chicago would move the No. 4 pick (plus other assets) and receive pick No. 3 and Morant in return. That way, Memphis can rid itself of the final two years of Morant’s contract, and the Bulls could jump one spot.

But would it even make sense for Chicago?

In that scenario, the Bulls would likely be moving up to select Boozer, who might not even be as good of an NBA player as Wilson. Boozer is a gifted scorer, but his lack of athleticism and his defensive shortcomings could pose big problems on the professional level.

Meanwhile, Wilson may very well be the best two-way talent in this draft class and has even drawn comparisons to Kevin Garnett. Why would Chicago take Boozer over Wilson while also taking on Morant’s contract in the process?

The only way I can see this trade making sense is if the Grizzlies plan on drafting Wilson over Boozer. Then, the Bulls would have some incentive to complete the deal. But that doesn’t seem like it’s going to be the case.

Chicago should just stay put and nab Wilson rather than absorbing Morant’s contract for a potentially inferior player in Boozer.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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