Breaking: Bulls Just Concluded Talks Acquiring Pelicans’ All-Star In A Stunning Trade Deal.

The Chicago Bulls are set to kick off their training camp on October 1, but many questions loom over their roster.

While Zach LaVine has been at the center of trade speculation, a new proposed three-team trade involves another Bulls All-Star. The Bulls would trade Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball, and a 2028 second-round pick to the New Orleans Pelicans, while sending Ayo Dosunmu to the Atlanta Hawks. In return, they would acquire Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, along with guards Garrison Matthews and Kobe Bufkin, and center Cody Zeller from the Hawks.

However, this deal appears unlikely to materialize, as it doesn’t significantly alter the standings for any of the teams involved. Jackson Caudell notes, “This trade does not improve Chicago, and they would still find themselves competing for a play-in spot. A lineup featuring Coby White, Josh Giddey, Zach LaVine, and Brandon Ingram would struggle defensively, and the Bulls lack a clear starting center.”

Moreover, the Bulls may hesitate to offer Ingram, who is in the final year of his contract, the four-year, $207.8 million extension he desires.

For the Pelicans, Vucevic would provide an offensive boost in the post, but his lack of defensive prowess may not align with New Orleans’ need for rim protection. Additionally, Ball’s injury-plagued history with the Pelicans raises concerns about his health moving forward.

Ultimately, while offloading Ball and Vucevic might be appealing for the Bulls, this trade could solidify their status as a play-in team rather than a genuine contender in the Eastern Conference.