The Chicago Bulls have been stuck in NBA purgatory for years — never fully rebuilding, never seriously contending.
When the idea of trading for Zion Williamson came up on “The Zack Lowe Show” with Zach Lowe and Michael Pina, it sparked a conversation that Bulls fans — and the front office — should have more often.
Lowe called the move “not a very Bullsy move, but a b***** one.”
He’s right. The Bulls have a long history of playing it safe, staying reactive instead of proactive. Maybe it’s time for the organization to get uncomfortable and take a swing to climb back into the mix in the Eastern Conference.
Why Trading for Zion Williamson Could Be a Win for the Bulls
When he’s healthy, Williamson is one of the most dominant forces in the league. His explosiveness, scoring ability, and upside make him a generational athlete.
His best season came in 2020-21, when he averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 61 games while shooting 61% from the field at just 20 years old. That version of Williamson is the one teams still hope to see consistently.
Earlier this year, Williamson made it clear he has a special connection to Chicago.
“I still kinda have that awe when I play in Chicago,” Williamson said. “History. It’s [Michael Jordan]. Six rings. That’s not no easy task … I’m fortunate enough to be sponsored by Jordan Brand and have my own shoe. It does add to the moment in terms of how special it is whenever I play in Chicago.”
He’s also named the United Center as one of his favorite arenas to play in, alongside venues like Madison Square Garden in New York and TD Garden in Boston.
The Red Flags: Why the Bulls Should Be Cautious
Williamson’s injury history is well-documented — and a major concern. His career has been defined as much by injuries as by highlights. Since being drafted in 2019, he’s missed 246 of a possible 460 games — nearly three full seasons.
That kind of availability risk is tough to overlook, especially for a franchise that’s already dealt with major injury setbacks, from Lonzo Ball’s extended absence to Derrick Rose’s career-altering injuries.
Why It’s Still Worth Considering
Williamson is a gamble — but maybe a calculated one. Because his trade value isn’t necessarily at its peak, the Bulls wouldn’t need to give up a king’s ransom. If they could acquire him without parting with young players like Coby White or Patrick Williams, or mortgaging the future, the upside is massive.
He’d immediately become the team’s most dynamic player. A system that leans into Williamson’s dominance in the paint and in transition — surrounded by shooters and pass-first guards like Ball and Josh Giddey — could unlock his full potential.
A Williamson trade wouldn’t be “Bullsy” in the traditional sense. It’d be bold. It’d be ambitious. It’d be a declaration that the Bulls are done playing it safe — and ready to chase something more than mediocrity.