NBA Notes: Morant chatter, Bulls’ cap plan, Yabusele’s next move

Ja Morant stayed put at the trade deadline, with the Grizzlies unwilling to accept a return similar to what the Hawks received for Trae Young.

Still, per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, multiple teams believe the Bucks have legitimate interest in Morant — either as a potential long-term successor to Giannis Antetokounmpo or, in a more aggressive scenario, as a complement alongside him if the Bucks pivot directions.

Bulls’ plans

Deadline activity by the Wizards and Jazz altered the projected cap-space landscape for 2026. Fischer reports that the Bulls, Nets, and the two Los Angeles teams are now viewed as the most likely clubs to have real spending power. For the Bulls, the focus is clear: wings.

Chicago has indicated internally that upgrading on the wing will be its primary offseason directive, with the team also needing to address the center position. The free-agent wing market could include veterans like Khris Middleton and Tobias Harris, as well as restricted options such as Bennedict Mathurin and Tari Eason.

Yabusele on move?

After declining his second-year option to help facilitate a trade from the Knicks to Bulls, Guerschon Yabusele is expected to draw strong interest in Europe this summer. Fischer notes that Yabusele is projected to have a competitive EuroLeague market and had previously considered signing with the Nuggets before landing with the Knicks.