The Chicago Bulls ran out of gas a quarter mile from the finish line on Tuesday. The Bulls had carved a New Orleans Pelicans 13-point lead to four points in less than two minutes. Every ounce of momentum in the building was behind the home team.

The Bulls' front office hasn't said anything about its plan as the trade deadline Feb. 6 nears, but losses such as the one Tuesday to the nine-win Pelicans should be all the information it needs.

The Chicago Bulls lost to the injury-riddled New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 119-113. This marked only one of eight games New Orleans' star Zion Williamson has participated in this season.

LaVine is playing the best basketball of his career, so why can't the Bulls find a buyer for the $95 million left on his contract after this season? Well, the trade market has a pecking order, and LaVine still isn't at the top.

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Chicago Bulls 119-113 on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the United Center. Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith (7) dunks the ball during the fourth period against the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

The New Orleans Pelicans ended the first half of the season just like they started the season: with a win over the Chicago Bulls.

CHICAGO (AP) — Trey Murphy III scored 32 points and Zion Williamson added 21 as the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Chicago Bulls 119-113 on Tuesday night.

CHICAGO (AP) — Trey Murphy III scored 32 points and Zion Williamson added 21 as the ... of their last seven games to improve to 9-32. Zach LaVine, limited to two points in the first half ...