Peyton Watson Available?! Bulls Rotation Questions Around Tre Jones & Jalen Smith 👀🐂

The Chicago Bulls still have major rotation questions heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, and today’s episode looks at three names who could shape the bench conversation in very different ways. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down Tre Jones’ 2026-27 expectations and what his role should look like in Tiago Splitter’s first season as head coach. Can Jones be the steady backup guard this roster needs? With a young core featuring Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, and Nic Claxton, the Bulls need reliable decision-making, ball security, and structure off the bench.

 

The guys also dive into Jalen Smith’s expectations for the season. Smith brings size, shooting potential, rebounding, and frontcourt depth, but where does he fit with Nic Claxton, Zach Collins, Caleb Wilson, and the rest of the Bulls’ big-man rotation? Is there a clear role for him, or will minutes be harder to find than expected?

 

Plus, Haize and Pat discuss whether the Bulls should monitor Peyton Watson if the Denver Nuggets’ second-apron situation makes him available. Watson’s athleticism, defensive upside, wing size, and developmental profile could make him an intriguing upside swing for a Bulls team still searching for long-term answers on the wing.

 

Topics Include:

Tre Jones’ 2026-27 expectations

Can Tre Jones stabilize the Bulls’ second unit?

Jalen Smith’s role in Tiago Splitter’s rotation

Is Jalen Smith a sneaky important bench piece?

Bulls frontcourt depth questions

Peyton Watson availability watch

Could the Nuggets’ second-apron situation create an opportunity?

Should the Bulls take another upside swing?

How Peyton Watson would fit Chicago’s timeline

Bulls bench rotation preview

 

The Bulls have added talent, but the margins still matter. If Tre Jones gives Chicago steady guard play, Jalen Smith finds a defined role, and Peyton Watson becomes a real option, Bryson Graham may still have ways to improve the roster before the season begins.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Matas Buzelis’ comments on Billy Donovan, his work with Dirk Nowitzki, and Norman Powell’s expectations for the 2026-27 season.

 

 

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

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