NBA Rumor Roundup: Bucks Linked to Ja Morant, Bulls Target Wing Help, Yabusele Weighs EuroLeague Return
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Feb. 18, 2026 — Several front-office conversations around the league continue to circle Ja Morant, even after the dynamic guard remained with Memphis at the trade deadline. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, multiple organizations believe the Milwaukee Bucks have genuine interest in Morant. Executives view Milwaukee’s pursuit in two possible scenarios: grooming Morant as a long-term successor to two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, or pairing the two stars if the franchise shifts strategies.
Memphis held onto the 26-year-old after declining offers comparable to the Hawks’ haul for Trae Young. Off the court, Morant received public support this week when forward Cedric Coward told HoopsHype that criticism of the Grizzlies star is “dead wrong,” calling Morant “one of the best people I’ve ever met.”
Bulls Set Sights on Cap Space and Wings
Deadline moves by Washington and Utah reshaped the 2026 cap-space outlook. League sources now project Chicago, Brooklyn, and both Los Angeles franchises as the clubs with meaningful spending power this summer. Chicago’s internal discussions have zeroed in on improving the wing position, with center depth also on the checklist.
The upcoming free-agent class could feature veteran forwards Khris Middleton and Tobias Harris, along with restricted options such as Bennedict Mathurin and Tari Eason, all players the Bulls are expected to monitor.
Yabusele Drawing EuroLeague Interest
Forward Guerschon Yabusele, who declined a second-year option to complete his trade from New York to Chicago, is expected to command a strong EuroLeague market in the offseason. Fischer reports that several top European clubs are preparing bids. Yabusele had previously weighed a deal with Denver before his brief Knicks stint.
The Bulls hold Yabusele’s NBA rights, but overseas offers could complicate Chicago’s roster plans as free agency approaches.
Source: Hoops Wire
