Two teams to keep eyes on ahead of this year's trade deadline will be the Norman Powell's Chicago Bulls along with Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle, as there's expected to be trade interest in all three players. Powell dismissed trade talks before the regular season, but amidst the Bulls' 1-6 start, rumors are already starting to heat up, and the same could be said about the Nets (1-6.)

While it's still early to predict a trade in the foreseeable future, Porter Jr. and the Nets could part ways at some point in 2026-27, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer.

“Brooklyn, I would still categorize as a team that is in more of a sell situation. I believe that Brooklyn will hope that a Julius Randle or a Michael Porter Jr. could still potentially draw some real returns,” Fischer said. “The Nets, they don't have their draft pick this year, and they're looking to be better and compete in the Eastern Conference, take some strides forward in the East.”

As Norman Powell continues to adapt to the Bulls offensively, the veteran forward is expected to be a trade target ahead of this season's deadline.

“The Bulls did hope to bring in for on-court prowess and some veteran mentorship in Chicago, but as he continues to perform; 15 points, 25 points, 18 points, this guy's basically a career 40 percent 3-point shooter who can fill it up, an All-Star caliber scorer, who's essentially on an expiring deal,” Fischer said. “Chicago, of course, hopes that [Norman] Powell is going to draw real trade interest from around the NBA, particularly, third teams that are looking for extra scoring, and off-ball shooting punch.

“He will be getting interest without a doubt, as he's just continued to perform. The 2021 trade deadline, when Norm Powell was moved from Toronto to Portland, he had around half the league calling when he was moved. And then, signed a new five-year deal with the Blazers. Then, was traded to the Clippers, Clippers to Miami because he was looking for a new contract.”

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Fischer isn't expecting Powell to receive a long-term extension from the team he's ultimately traded to. However, he does expect him to receive a deal that's similar to the one he's currently on.

“He hasn't gotten that second big long-term money deal as he's now past 30-year-old,” Fischer added. “But Norm Powell on a one-year, essentially, agreement with the team controlling that second year for next season — I think — is going to have plenty of interest around the NBA.”

Powell signed a two-year, $44 million deal with the Bulls. The $22.5 million owed for the 2027-28 season is a team option.