Coby White is on an expiring contract, deservedly looking for a solid payday after a ton of growth as a player over the past several years....but should that deal come from the Chicago Bulls?
Coby White is on an expiring contract, deservedly looking for a solid payday after a ton of growth as a player over the past several years, but should that deal come from the Chicago Bulls?
It may seem like a ridiculous question on the surface, especially to the average Bulls fan who has watched White rise into a consistent 20+ point per game scorer on a squad with an uncertain future. This situation is even more complicated by the fact that White--who missed the first 11 games of the season due to a right calf strain--left Monday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves with a calf issue to the very same leg that delayed his season debut.
The Bulls will obviously play things safe with White, as he is one of the best players on the team whether or not he is in their long-term plans. But as White recovers, it is now more important than ever for the Bulls front office to consider trade offers for the high-scoring guard if they are still on the table.
White, who will soon be turning 26 years old, is entering the prime of his career. He is averaging a career-high 20.5 PPG despite currently sporting a career-worst 32.4% 3-point percentage. Once White's shooting numbers return to normal, he is going to be a near 25+ PPG scorer, and an efficient one to boot (58% True Shooting, career-best FTA per game, and career-best shooting at the rim). He would obviously provide a massive spark to a contender looking to improve their guard spots. With injury woes back on the menu in Chicago, it might be time for the organization to do something unfamiliar to them: prioritize lottery odds.
In terms of trade rumors, Coby White has been linked to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, and in recent days, the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks. Now rumors are, of course, just that, but some of the listed teams connected to White make more sense than others. Specifically, Houston and Dallas seem like quite legitimate threats, with Minnesota a distant third, and Atlanta not on the radar (in my humble opinion).
White is essentially a lock to re-sign with his new team if he was to be traded, with all of the details likely being discussed beforehand. Dallas has been openly looking for answers to their PG problem in the absence of Kyrie Irving. Undrafted rookie and stellar passer Ryan Nembhard, and explosive scorer Brandon Williams, have done a solid job holding down the spot until Irving returns. But White would give the Mavericks someone who profiles as their true, long-term answer.
White's shooting and (somewhat newfound) ability to convert at a high rate around the rim would fit in neatly next to likely Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
The Bulls are tough to predict in terms of what they desire in trade packages, but the potential availability of Chicago-native Anthony Davis lingers as an intriguing possibility for a franchise that refuses to bottom out or tank.
Dec 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) sits on the bench after suffering an injury during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesHouston has their eyes set on a NBA Finals appearance, and White's explosive scoring would certainly look more appealing playing off of future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, and the savvy playmaking big Alperen Sengun. And unlike Dallas, the Houston Rockets have a plethora of young players--and draft picks--they could part with and still conceivably have enough for a strong championship push.
The Bulls are in a tough spot, with injuries to both members of their starting backcourt in Coby White and Josh Giddey. It is clear that Giddey--locked up this past offseason to a four-year, $100 million fully guaranteed contract extension--is a long-term part of the franchise's future, and will need to be built around to some degree considering his unique skill set. White is a building block in his own right, but further along in his development and upcoming unrestricted free agent. Defensively, White and Giddey will always be somewhat of an awkward fit, and taking a step back to rebuild the team more specifically the skill sets around Giddey and Matas Buzelis would be a rational decision considering that the team appears to be headed for a tough stretch.