One Eastern Conference team has engaged in trade discussions with the New Orleans Pelicans centered on forward Zion Williamson, according to a report from the Chicago Sun-Times. It adds a new layer of intrigue as the NBA trade deadline approaches.
Chicago Bulls Interested in Zion Williamson
Sun-Times reporter Joe Cowley reported that the Chicago Bulls have held ongoing talks with New Orleans involving Williamson. However, the level of traction around the former No. 1 overall pick appears uncertain.
“The Sun-Times confirmed a report that the Bulls have had ongoing talks with the Pelicans about players such as forward Zion Williamson and center Yves Missi,” Cowley wrote. “While the chatter around Williamson has quieted on the Pelicans’ end, there has been momentum around Missi. The question is, at what cost?”
The report arrives less than two weeks before the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, with the Pelicans sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference and the Bulls fighting to remain in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Williamson is in the middle of a five-year, $197,230,450 contract he signed with New Orleans. The deal runs through the 2026-27 season and includes a significant financial commitment for any acquiring team. Despite his talent, availability has remained the central concern throughout his career.
This season, Williamson is averaging 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 58.5 percent from the field.
He is playing 29.3 minutes per game and has appeared in 29 contests, missing 16 games so far. The Pelicans are 10-35 and last in the Western Conference, with injuries and inconsistency derailing their season.
Williamson is currently in his sixth NBA season. In his first five seasons, he has played more than 60 games only twice. In the other three seasons, he failed to reach 35 games, reinforcing league-wide skepticism about his long-term durability.
Earlier this month, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Pelicans had informed teams Williamson would not be traded, suggesting New Orleans remains hesitant to move its franchise centerpiece despite ongoing struggles. Cowley’s report, however, indicates that at least some conversations have taken place with Chicago.
From a basketball standpoint, Williamson remains one of the league’s most talented interior scorers when healthy. His explosive first step and finishing ability consistently collapse defenses. He remains New Orleans’ primary interior scoring and rebounding presence when available.
Williamson Can Fit in Bulls’ System
For Chicago, the appeal is clear. The Bulls are 21-22 and ninth in the Eastern Conference, clinging to a play-in position. They have steadied recently, going 4-2 in their last six games, but continue to search for a high-end offensive engine to raise their ceiling.
Williamson’s ability to attack the rim would add a dimension the Bulls currently lack. His interior gravity could pair effectively with guards such as Josh Giddey and forward Matas Buzelis, creating a pace-and-space dynamic built around transition opportunities.
From a financial perspective, Chicago would likely need to use expiring contracts to make any deal viable. Veteran center Nikola Vučević’s retiring contract could be a key component in a potential salary match.
However, the long-term implications of taking on Williamson’s deal would require significant internal confidence in his health.
While Cowley noted that momentum on Williamson has cooled compared to discussions involving Missi, the confirmation of talks underscores that Chicago is at least monitoring the market for a major move.
With the Feb. 5 deadline approaching, Williamson’s name remains one to watch, even as public messaging from New Orleans suggests no imminent deal.
