Being in a rebuild, the Chicago Bulls are in a position to gamble on some big contracts.
One NBA writer suggests the Bulls should give the Philadelphia 76ers a call to see if they would consider trading away the star center, Joel Embiid.
“If the Sixers are really looking to trade Embiid, perhaps the Bulls could try to get a first-round pick out of them,” FanSided’s Jack Simone wrote.
“It would give Philly significantly more financial freedom to build around Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in the coming years. Meanwhile, the Bulls wouldnât have to worry too much about Embiidâs availability, as they likely wonât be in the title mix anyway. Plus, Embiidâs on-court contributions could help the Bulls avoid being one of the worst three teams in the NBA (keeping them out of the new lottery oddsâ relegation zone).”
Chicago Bulls Urged To Make Trade Call For Joel Embiid
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers pumps up the crowd during the first half of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
In the NBA, there has to be a seller in order for a team to buy.
Embiid is an easy name to jot down as a potential trade piece year after year, mainly due to the fact that the Sixers haven’t gotten past the second round since he’s been on the team.
There is always going to be an assumption that the big man is close to reaching his breaking point and taking the path that so many superstars travel when teams continue to struggle in the postseason.
But Embiid doesn’t seem to be there just yet. While Embiid was seemingly frustrated with the Sixers’ front office this past season, the team parted ways with the President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, and the General Manager, Elton Brand.
Only time will tell if the changes are for the better, but the Sixers likely bought themselves more time with Embiid by giving the organization a new voice up top and a different direction.
What If Joel Embiid Requested A Trade?
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 02: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Still, the Bulls would have a slim shot at landing him.
Embiid has spent so much time with the Sixers. He would likely have a say in where he lands next. If he were to request out of Philadelphia after making the playoffs in eight out of the last nine seasons, Chicago doesn’t make sense.
The Bulls haven’t been to the playoffs since the 2021-2022 season. The only reason Embiid would want out of Philadelphia is to have a better shot at competing for a title. Currently, the Bulls are not set up for success immediately.
When it comes to free agency, the Bulls are expected to take a look at the market for a center. Their current rival, Jalen Duren, has been frequently linked to the team. New York Knicks‘ Mitchell Robinson is a name that was recently linked to Chicago as well.
Trading for a big man shouldn’t be ruled out, but calling for a 32-year-old former MVP likely wouldn’t work out for the Bulls, considering the circumstances.
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