The Chicago Bulls, long pegged as sellers in the NBA trade market, are poised to make a bold splash as the 2025–26 season looms. With a roster brimming with expiring contracts and a clear pivot toward a younger core, the Bulls are reportedly exploring a blockbuster trade. At the heart of this audacious move is an unexpected trade chip: veteran guard Jevon Carter, whose resurgent preseason performances have transformed him into a potential “gold mine” asset. The target? A disgruntled All-Star looking for a fresh start.
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The Bulls’ Trade Landscape
The Bulls’ front office has been open about its intent to reshape the roster, with seven expiring contracts providing significant flexibility. Chief among them is Nikola Vucevic, the 34-year-old center who will turn 35 shortly after the season begins. Vucevic, a reliable floor-spacer, has been a fixture in trade rumors for years, and his $20 million expiring deal makes him a prime candidate to be moved. However, his age and fit with Chicago’s youth movement—centered around players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu—have diminished his long-term value to the team.
While Vucevic remains an attractive piece for contending teams, the Bulls are reportedly hesitant to part with White or Dosunmu. White is viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future, and Dosunmu’s versatility makes him a valuable two-way contributor. Instead, Chicago has turned its attention to a player whose stock is rapidly rising: Jevon Carter.
Jevon Carter: The Unexpected Trade Gem
Just months ago, Jevon Carter’s trade value seemed negligible. The 30-year-old guard struggled through a lackluster 2024–25 season, averaging a modest 4.3 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 37.7 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range. His $6.8 million player option, exercised over the offseason, was met with skepticism, as it appeared to limit Chicago’s roster flexibility.
However, Carter has flipped the narrative in the 2025 preseason. In the Bulls’ opener, he erupted for 10 points in just 12 minutes, shooting 4-of-7 from the field. His clutch performance, including a coast-to-coast layup with 36 seconds remaining, secured a critical victory. In the second preseason game, Carter was even more impressive, dropping 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. His ability to spark Chicago’s offense and anchor their perimeter defense has reminded the league of his potential.
Carter’s resurgence harkens back to his 2022–23 campaign with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he averaged 8.0 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.8 made threes while shooting 42.1 percent from deep. Known for his tenacious “bulldog” defense and spot-up shooting, Carter’s skill set is tailor-made for playoff contenders in need of a reliable 3-and-D guard.
The All-Star Target
Sources indicate that the Bulls are leveraging Carter’s newfound value, along with other assets, to pursue a disgruntled All-Star. While the identity of the target remains under wraps, the player is reportedly unhappy with their current situation and seeking a change of scenery. The Bulls, eager to accelerate their rebuild while maintaining flexibility, see this as an opportunity to land a high-impact star who can complement their young core.
Carter’s expiring contract, combined with his proven ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, makes him an ideal piece in a multi-team trade or as a sweetener in a larger package. Pairing him with draft picks or another expiring deal—potentially Vucevic’s—could give Chicago the firepower to swing for a marquee name.
Why This Move Makes Sense
The Bulls’ willingness to trade Carter signals a strategic shift. While his preseason heroics have boosted his value, his role in Chicago remains limited behind White and Dosunmu. Moving him now, at the peak of his marketability, allows the Bulls to capitalize on a player who was once an afterthought. The addition of an All-Star, even one with question marks, could reshape Chicago’s trajectory, providing a veteran leader to guide their young roster while maintaining cap flexibility for future moves.
Moreover, Carter’s skill set is universally appealing. His ability to knock down open threes and hound opposing guards fits seamlessly on any contending roster, making him a valuable piece for teams looking to bolster their depth. For the Bulls, packaging Carter with other assets could be the key to unlocking a transformative deal.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Chicago’s front office. Will they pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade for a disgruntled All-Star? Can Jevon Carter, the unlikeliest of trade chips, be the catalyst for a franchise-altering move? One thing is certain: the Bulls are no longer content to sit on the sidelines. With Carter emerging as a surprising “gold mine,” Chicago is poised to make waves in the NBA trade market.