The Chicago Bulls have had a fairly quiet offseason as they navigate contract talks with restricted free agent Josh Giddey.
After losing to the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament, the Bulls traded Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro and re-signed Tre Jones this summer. Still in a rebuilding phase following a failed era centered around Ball, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, Chicago will look to develop its young core while keeping an eye on the future.
MORE: Bulls advised against caving to Josh Giddey’s demands in restricted free agency
Still, if the Bulls want to explore a talent upgrade, they could target a new backcourt piece — especially if they are unable to reach an agreement with Giddey. SI.com recently compiled a mock trade that would send star point guard De’Aaron Fox to Chicago.
Here’s their proposed trade:
Bulls receive: De’Aaron Fox, Kobe Bufkin, 2029 first-round pick (top-eight protected via ATL)
Spurs receive: Kevin Huerter, Coby White, 2027 first-round pick (top-ten protected via CHI)
Hawks receive: Ayo Dosunmu
While Coby White has been a solid contributor for the Bulls, Fox would represent a clear upgrade in talent. If the Spurs are reluctant to offer the 27-year-old a lucrative contract extension, they could pivot and acquire a protected first-round pick and White, who is under contract through the 2026-27 campaign.
It’s still more likely that San Antonio will pursue an extension with Fox after trading for him last season, but if the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, moving him remains a viable option.
For the Bulls, they could either extend Fox or clear cap space next offseason and let him walk, having still secured a protected first-round pick. They’d also be taking a flier on Bufkin, who missed significant time last season due to injuries but is still only 21 years old with room to grow.
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