The Chicago Bulls have drawn trade interest in point guard Tre Jones and forward/center Jalen Smith in recent weeks, according to Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune.
While Jones appears to be a realistic trade candidate, Poe notes that Chicago is far less inclined to move Smith unless a particularly strong offer comes along.
Both players are under guaranteed contracts for next season, with Jones’ deal also including an $8 million team option for the 2027/28 campaign.
Poe reports that any Bulls player on an expiring contract could be moved before the deadline if the team receives what it considers a “reasonable return.”
Chicago has already demonstrated some flexibility by taking on unwanted salary in the Dario Saric deal, which netted the Bulls two second-round picks and required waiving Jevon Carter to open a roster spot.
Still, sources tell Poe that the Bulls are not interested in making moves simply for the sake of activity, especially when it comes to core contributors such as Coby White.
With much of the roster made up of players in their mid-20s who already have several years of NBA experience, head coach Billy Donovan said the organization’s priority is continuing to get younger.
“We have to keep building out with younger people,” Donovan said, per Poe. “I don’t think there’s any question about that from a roster standpoint. … If you’re just talking about the guys that are here that are going to be under contract, they’re going to need more.
“So however those conversations take place, whether it’s in July or whether it’s at the trade deadline, I think the front office is looking to try to build it out as best they can.”
The Bulls are rumored to be unlikely to trade Jalen Smith unless they get a very appealing offer. Story: https://t.co/wIkGCsfh0R
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 2, 2026
