The New Orleans Pelicans have floated a concrete proposal that would net Chicago’s No. 15 selection in the 2026 NBA Draft while offloading Jordan Poole’s contract. Under the deal, New Orleans would send Poole, forward Yves Missi and a future unprotected first-round pick to the Bulls. In return, the Pelicans would receive forward Patrick Williams, wing Isaac Okoro and the coveted No. 15 pick.

Chicago currently holds the No. 4 and No. 15 picks this summer, giving the Bulls flexibility to move the latter without sacrificing a top-lottery slot. The centerpiece of the trade from Chicago’s perspective is shedding the contract of 24-year-old Patrick Williams, who is owed $18 million in each of the next three seasons , a sizable guarantee that the Bulls consider overpaid relative to his production.

For the Pelicans, the incoming assets address two immediate needs. Adding Williams and Okoro provides front-court depth and defensive versatility, while the No. 15 pick supplies an additional draft lever in a class that could produce a quality prospect. In exchange, New Orleans parts with Poole, a future first-rounder and the chance to free up roster space that is currently crowded with wing talent.

The trade aligns with the Bulls’ new front-office direction under GM Bryson Graham, who has signaled a full-scale rebuild and an emphasis on asset accumulation. By taking on Poole’s contract and a future pick, Chicago gains a player with shooting upside and a lottery ticket that can be used to further stockpile young talent. Leveraging the No. 15 slot also demonstrates the Bulls’ willingness to move draft capital in service of their rebuilding timeline.

If both clubs reach agreement before the trade deadline, the transaction will reshape each roster’s trajectory. New Orleans must decide whether to retain the future first-rounder or seek alternative assets to offset the loss of draft capital. Chicago will need to absorb Poole’s contract and evaluate how Missi fits into their developmental plans, while also planning how to replace the Williams salary with more flexible pieces. The scenario carries obvious risks for both sides, but the upside is significant: the Pelicans acquire a mid-first-round pick and two versatile forwards, and the Bulls clear a sizable salary commitment while adding a lottery ticket and a shooter.