Report: Golden State Warriors have their eyes on Chicago Bulls big man in potential trade

After starting 1-6, the Chicago Bulls could be in for a long season.

Even though many expected this to be a rebuilding phase, most didn’t see the team performing this poorly. It’s been a rough start for most of the roster, except for Caleb Wilson and a few other guys. With the NBA lottery changing its rules this past offseason, it’s the wrong year to be this bad.

This could very well be a completely different team by February. It’s only been a few weeks since the year began, and trade rumors are already heating up. One Western Conference team has already reached out to the Bulls regarding their backup center, Jalen Smith.

According to Jake Fischer, the Golden State Warriors have reached out about a potential Smith trade. The Warriors are thin at center, and after finding out Kristaps Porzingis may never play again, they’re in the market for a big man.

The Warriors reached out to Chicago about Jalen Smith as a potential short-term frontcourt option, per @JakeLFischer

(https://t.co/kCXVOSYwnG) pic.twitter.com/e0UU349VAw

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) November 4, 2026

Smith has been a bright spot for the Bulls thus far, averaging 12 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He’s started every game for Chicago and has shot well from the field at nearly 70%.

Fischer wrote, “The Warriors have called Chicago because the Bulls offer a potential short-term answer: Jalen Smith. The 26-year-old has some floor-spacing ability and is earning roughly half of what Porziņģis is making this season.”

One could assume the Bulls are open to moving Smith, as starting center Nic Claxton could return shortly. Smith is in the last year of his deal and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Could the Chicago Bulls trade Jalen Smith to the Golden State Warriors?

These rumors could be a common trend as the season goes on, especially if the Bulls continue to lose games. When Norman Powell is eligible to be moved later this winter, he could very well be traded too.

The thought was simple: have a developmental year for guys like Wilson and Matas Buzelis, and win some basketball games. No one was expecting first-year head coach Tiago Splitter to win a championship, or even be in the running for a playoff spot.

However, the team has looked very, very bad. The only bright spot is Wilson, which is a welcome sight, but the organization was expecting Buzelis and Josh Giddey to be better. Both have played poorly, and moves could be made quickly in order to get the most out of their value before it’s too late.

The Bulls should move on from Smith. He’s unlikely to stay after his contract expires, and with him playing so well in a limited role, he could fetch some draft capital. Make it happen, Bryson.

More Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis makes a promise to fans amid brutal start

The post Report: Golden State Warriors have their eyes on Chicago Bulls big man in potential trade appeared first on ChiCitySports.