The Chicago Bulls are facing a critical juncture this offseason as they navigate the future of restricted free agent Josh Giddey and the looming contract situation with rising star Coby White. While the team has been relatively quiet in free agency, the potential financial implications of White’s next contract could send shockwaves through the organization, threatening their rebuilding efforts.
Coby White’s Breakout Season and Contract Dilemma
Coby White, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, is coming off a career-best 2024-25 season. Stepping up as the Bulls’ primary scoring option after Zach LaVine’s trade to the Sacramento Kings in February, White averaged an impressive 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.9 three-pointers per game while shooting 45.3% from the field across 74 regular-season appearances. At just 25 years old, the North Carolina product has solidified himself as a cornerstone of Chicago’s roster.
However, White’s stellar performance has put the Bulls in a precarious position. Eligible for a four-year, $89 million extension this offseason, White is reportedly unlikely to accept what the Bulls might consider a team-friendly deal. NBA analysts suggest he could command a far more lucrative contract in unrestricted free agency next summer, potentially forcing Chicago into a tough decision.
A “Monstrous Deal” or a Painful Departure?
The Bulls previously secured White at a bargain with a three-year, $36 million contract signed in July 2023. According to Austin McGee of Pippen Ain’t Easy, that discount is unlikely to repeat itself. “The Bulls will be forced to either pony up and re-sign White to a potentially monstrous deal or be prepared to let him walk for next-to-nothing after seven seasons in Chicago,” McGee wrote. “It’ll be a tough pill for the Bulls to swallow, yet one that they must come to terms with.”
With White’s value skyrocketing, a contract exceeding $100 million in free agency is not out of the question. For a Bulls team mired in a rebuild—having missed the postseason in seven of the last eight seasons and falling short in the Play-In Tournament for three consecutive years—committing to such a massive deal could strain their financial flexibility and hinder their long-term plans.
Rebuilding or Retaining? The Bulls’ Strategic Crossroads
Chicago’s front office faces a pivotal choice: invest heavily in White to keep a proven young talent or prioritize their rebuild by letting him test the open market. White’s ability to contribute to a playoff-caliber team elsewhere makes him an attractive target for contending franchises, and his departure could leave the Bulls with little to show for their investment in his development.
Some analysts argue that focusing on the rebuild might be the smarter play. With young talents like Josh Giddey and a potential influx of draft capital, the Bulls could opt to build around a new core rather than tying up significant cap space in White. However, losing a player of his caliber for minimal return would be a devastating blow to a franchise already struggling to regain relevance in the Eastern Conference.
What’s Next for Chicago?
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on how the Bulls handle White’s contract situation. Offering an $89 million extension might be the starting point, but White’s camp appears poised to seek a bigger payday in 2026 free agency. For a team in transition, the decision to either pay up or move on could define the Bulls’ trajectory for years to come.
The clock is ticking, and Chicago must brace for the financial and emotional impact of what could be a franchise-altering decision. Will they secure their star guard, or will White’s departure mark another setback in the Windy City?