Former UConn Huskies shooting guard Jordan Hawkins has made a strong start to his NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 18 points in his preseason opener and securing a contract through the 2025-26 season. His performance has attracted interest from the Chicago Bulls, who may consider him in a trade involving veteran Nikola Vučević as they look to rebuild. Meanwhile, the Bulls have also signed Ben Coupet Jr. to an Exhibit 10 contract, indicating they value his experience despite his underwhelming G-League stats. Coupet, a Chicago native, is expected to be waived before the regular season begins, likely returning to the Windy City Bulls. The Bulls' offseason saw them trade key players but retain others, leaving them in a precarious position in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, the Los Angeles Clippers have announced that PJ Tucker will not be with the team for the time being as they seek a fitting situation for him.