While the Chicago Bulls have a known history of acquiring stars in their primes, times have changed in the NBA with the new CBA giving small-market and middle-tier teams a better chance of landing a superstar. With it being unlikely that the Bulls trade for a generational superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite recent rumors suggesting Chicago could be a place of interest if he were to request a trade, other young stars could, and should, be on the Bulls’ radar.

Ja Morant is a player to keep an eye on after Memphis’ quick playoff exit

In Memphis, the Ja Morant situation is nearing its breaking point. In his six seasons with the Grizzlies, Morant has shown the makings of a superstar, but has dealt with injuries and his own off-court issues. The athletic guard has yet to appear in 70 games in any season. In 50 appearances this past season, Morant averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds on shooting splits of 45.4 percent from the field and 30.9 percent from three.

Even though he’s not the most efficient player, Morant would fit with the new-look Bulls team that operated at one of the league’s fastest paces this season. In the second year of a five-year, $197 million deal, Morant will remain under contract until he’s 28, fitting in perfectly with the age range of the current Bulls core. Most importantly, Morant offers the Bulls a star that would bring enthusiasm to the once-storied franchise.

With the Grizzlies failing to make any postseason noise despite regular-season success, it will only be a matter of time before the organization makes another move. Chicago would offer Morant a new opportunity with one of the most player-friendly coaches in the league—Billy Donovan.

Chicago makes sense as a destination for Pelicans’ Williamson

Another member of the 2019 draft that featured both Coby White and Morant, the first overall pick, Zion Williamson, is a name to monitor ahead of the offseason. Injuries have marred the 6-foot-6 forward’s career. In six seasons, Williamson has played at least 60 games twice, yet he’s seen 30 or fewer appearances four times, including missing the entire 2021-22 season.

Despite playing less than 50 percent of all available games throughout his NBA career, Williamson has played like a superstar when healthy. In the 30 games he played during the 2024-25 season, Williamson averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on shooting splits of 56.7 percent from the field and 23.1 percent from beyond the arc despite only seeing 28.6 minutes per contest.

For Williamson, his likelihood of remaining in the Big Easy has never been high, with rumors over the years suggesting he wants to play for a big-market team. While Chicago is no longer seen as the major market it once was, it remains one of the largest economic markets in the NBA and North American sports. With it being clear that the Zion situation in New Orleans is less likely to work, Chicago could make a play for the 24-year-old star.

Williamson’s contract is one of the more unique contracts in the league, given his exceptional play and frequent absence from the court. In the second year of his five-year, $197 million deal, the final three seasons are not guaranteed. Each season, part of Williamson’s contract becomes guaranteed depending on how many games he plays, in addition to weight checks.

Trading for Williamson would be a high-risk, high-reward trade, hoping that moving to a bigger market like Chicago would reinvigorate and motivate him on and off the court. Trading for Williamson would also give the Bulls an opportunity to avoid a full rebuild, something current Bulls management has been doing for several years. The hope would be that a healthy Williamson attracts other stars who would also want to play in a big market.

For the first time in a long time, Zion could not have one, but two capable and reliable guards next to him in Coby White and potentially Josh Giddey. White would give Zion a guard who can create his own shot while putting up 20-plus points per game. Giddey would give Williamson one of the more underrated distributors in the game, who would feed the athletic big man numerous easy buckets.

For the Bulls, the 2025 offseason may be the perfect time to acquire a star. With numerous stars already marred in trade rumors and others expected to be moved, Chicago may be able to acquire one of these young stars in what would be seen as one of the more shocking moves that could happen this offseason.