Chicago Bulls Reportedly Made Blockbuster Offer for $180M Sharpshooter

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. is among the league’s most prized trade targets, averaging a career-high 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists this season.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls are all potential landing spots for Porter on the trade market.

While interest in the 6-foot-10 forward has ramped up during his breakout season, Chicago has reportedly been enamored with the idea of trading for Porter since last season.

According to Fischer, the Nuggets had “serious” discussions about swapping the pair of offensive stars, and the deal was viewed favorably by many in the Denver front office.

“The Bulls, sources say, were in serious discussions with the Nuggets last season about swapping Zach LaVine for Porter. That actually seemed to be the preferred path for several voices in Denver’s front office.”

Zach LaVine, Michael Porter Jr. Swap Had Serious Traction

Before shipping LaVine to the Sacramento Kings, the Bulls were nearing the finish line on a deal with Denver involving the former Slam Dunk Contest champion.

Should Denver have acquired LaVine, they would have added another dynamic backcourt scorer alongside Jamal Murray, while also giving Nikola Jokic an elite slasher to use around the rim.

The hypothetical deal would have also given Chicago the clear-cut N0. 1 scoring option the franchise needs needs. Although Porter was known best for his three-point efficiency in Denver, he has proven to be a well-rounded scorer in Brooklyn.

So far this season, Porter has scored 25+ points in 17 games, the eighth-most among active players. Chicago scorers, meanwhile, boasts 17 such games collectively.

Had Porter been traded to Chicago last season, it’s possible that his superstar ascension would have been jumpstarted earlier.

Instead, the Nuggets went in another direction for their move to pivot from Porter, opting to do a deal with the Nets for Cam Johnson later on in the offseason, adding the length and two-way versatility that LaVine does not possess.

As for the Bulls, they would eventually move LaVine to Sacramento for a middling return–– a package including their own 2025 first rounder from the San Antonio Spurs, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and Zach Collins.

Bulls May View Michael Porter Jr. as a Franchise Player

Since the team’s interest has spanned nearly a full calendar year, it’s reasonable to suggest that the Bulls view Porter as a potential franchise cornerstone.

Given Porter’s championship experience with the Nuggets as well as his ability to space the floor, it’s easy to see why Chicago is interested in acquiring him.

Porter would instantly become the team’s most trusted source of offense. The former first-round pick has operated as an efficient three-level scorer throughout his first season in Brooklyn, averaging 25.8 points and 7.5 rebounds to go along with 3.3 assists per game on 49.6/41.0/81.2 shooting splits.

With two first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft at their disposal and a slew of available young talent, the Bulls boast enough ammo to offer Brooklyn an enticing deal for Porter.

Brooklyn may not be willing to part ways with him easily, though.

 

Jalyn Smoot Jalyn Smoot is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has nearly 10 years of experience in local and national media, including print and digital. He previously covered the Texas Rangers for MLB.com and the Philadelphia 76ers for Metro Philadelphia. Smoot is a St. Louis born writer that now resides in Dallas. More about Jalyn Smoot