The veteran All-Star guard is very likely to be traded during the next year.
The Bulls' decision to sign All-Star guard Norman Powell in free agency this summer was an intriguing one. Entering the first season of Bryson Graham's rebuild, Chicago has one of the youngest rosters in the league and Powell's presence sticks out like a sore thumb.
Graham inked the 33-year-old to a two-year, $44 million contract that features a team option following the 2026-27 season. The structure of the deal has led many to assume that Powell will be a prime candidate to be traded to a contender.
For The Ringer's Michael Pina, Powell's trade value is the biggest question Chicago is facing this season. On an episode of The Zach Lowe Show, Pina revealed three trade proposals that could send Powell to a potential playoff team.
However, Bulls fans may not be happy with Chicago's projected returns in these deals, especially in exchange for a player who was named an All-Star just last year.
Let's break down the potential trade ideas:
Norman Powell to Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic receive: G Norman Powell, F Leonard Miller
Chicago Bulls receive: G Jalen Suggs
Suggs, 25, is entering the second season of a five-year, $150 million contract that declines in value through 2030. The former Second Team All-Defense guard averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game last season, but he's a subpar three-point shooter and has missed 72 games over the past two years. Giving up Powell and a promising wing in Leonard Miller is too much to take on Suggs' contract.
Jan 28, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) follows on the play during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Norman Powell to Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons receive: G Norman Powell
Chicago Bulls receive: G Kevin Huerter, F Ron Holland, First-Round Pick
The prize of this deal is Holland, who just turned 21 in July, and a future first-round pick is a desirable asset as well. Holland has size and athleticism at 6-foot-8 but just hasn't been a viable offensive player through two seasons. In 78 games last year (mostly off the bench), he shot 43.2% overall and 25.3% from deep. Holland isn't a perfect prospect to take a swing on, but the former top-five pick may be the best that Chicago can get for the 33-year-old Powell.
Norman Powell to Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets receive: G Norman Powell
Chicago Bulls receive: G Christian Braun
Braun was a key starter for the Nuggets in 2024-25, but his play plummeted last season after signing a five-year, $125 million contract extension. His three-point accuracy dropped from a career-best 39.7% to a career-worst 30.1%, and Braun's $25 million average salary kicks in this upcoming season. Yes, Braun is 25 years old, athletic and was a good player just two years ago. But the Bulls would be paying him $28.5 million in 2031 if they accepted this deal, and Graham would likely hang up the phone laughing if he received this trade offer.
