Bulls Trade Rumors Heat Up! Lakers & Wolves Want Jalen Smith… Is Isaac Okoro Tiago’s Secret Weapon?

The Chicago Bulls rumor mill is heating up again, and this time the focus is on Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, and the truth behind the Bennedict Mathurin buzz. 👀🐂   On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down whether Isaac Okoro can become Tiago Splitter’s defensive weapon during the 2026-27 NBA season. Okoro may not be the flashiest player on the roster, but his physicality, point-of-attack defense, toughness, and ability to guard multiple perimeter positions could make him one of the most important role players in Chicago’s rotation.   The guys discuss how Okoro fits next to Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell, Nic Claxton, Patrick Williams, and the rest of the Bulls’ young core. Can Tiago use Okoro as a matchup piece against elite guards and wings? Or will the Bulls’ lack of shooting make it hard to keep him on the floor in key lineups?   Haize and Pat also dive into the latest trade buzz around Jalen Smith, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers reportedly interested. Should the Bulls consider moving Smith if the right offer comes along? Or does his size, rebounding, floor-spacing potential, and frontcourt depth make him too valuable to trade before the season starts?   Plus, the guys react to reports that the Bulls’ interest in Bennedict Mathurin may have been overstated. Was this a real pursuit, or just offseason smoke? And if Chicago is not seriously chasing Mathurin, what does that say about Bryson Graham’s approach to roster building?   Topics Include: Can Isaac Okoro be Tiago Splitter’s defensive weapon? How Okoro fits in the Bulls’ rotation Bulls’ need for perimeter defense and toughness Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers interest in Jalen Smith Should Chicago trade Jalen Smith? What Jalen Smith brings to the Bulls’ frontcourt Bennedict Mathurin rumors reportedly overstated Bulls trade rumor reality check Bryson Graham’s roster-building approach Chicago Bulls 2026-27 rotation questions   The Bulls still have roster questions to answer before the season, and every role matters. If Okoro can become a trusted defensive piece, Jalen Smith draws real trade value, and the Mathurin rumors fade, Chicago’s next move may say a lot about how Bryson Graham views this team.   🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Isaac Okoro’s defensive upside, the Jalen Smith trade interest from the Lakers and Wolves, and the latest update on Bennedict Mathurin’s connection to Chicago.   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%.   Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.