Bulls and Pelicans negotiate trade involving Zion! Center Mizeur also part of discussions, Vucevic and White as assets

On January 21st Beijing time, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls are currently engaged in ongoing talks with the Pelicans regarding a player trade that includes forward Zion and center Mizeur. Although rumors about Zion's trade have gradually subsided on the Pelicans' side, negotiations concerning Mizeur are steadily advancing. The key question remains: what price will the Bulls have to pay?

The Pelicans have consistently aimed to reclaim their unprotected 2026 first-round draft pick — a pick they traded to the Hawks last summer draft day to acquire forward Derrick Quinn. Additionally, the Pelicans are interested in offloading guard Jordan Poole’s expensive contract.

Admittedly, Mizeur’s playing time has decreased this season, dropping from an average of 26.8 minutes last season to 18.6 minutes now, but he remains a dependable rim finisher with the potential to develop into an elite rim protector. In other words, while the Pelicans are open to trading Mizeur, they won’t let him go easily.

Therefore, completing this trade is quite challenging, especially since the Bulls are reluctant to part with valuable draft assets in the deal.

To make the trade happen, the Pelicans would have to embrace a rebuilding mindset, packaging Zion and Mizeur together in exchange for a group of expiring contracts from the Bulls, such as center Nikola Vucevic, guard Coby White, and forward Jalen Smith.

So far this season, Zion averages 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game; Mizeur averages 5.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists; Vucevic averages 17 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists; Coby White averages 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists; Jalen Smith averages 9.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.