The Chicago Bulls are at a pivotal moment in their roster planning as guard Coby White, a cornerstone of the franchise, is reportedly setting his sights on a massive contract extension in the summer of 2026. According to Jake Fischer of the Insider Notebook, White is not expected to sign an extension during the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, opting instead to pursue a lucrative deal that could surpass the $30 million average annual value (AAV) recently secured by teammate Josh Giddey.
“Coby White, to my understanding, is going to be eligible for more money as a free agent next year,” Fischer noted. “The talk around the league has already been that Coby White is going to be seeking even north of the $30 million average annual value that Josh Giddey has been. I’m not expecting an extension for Coby White at this juncture.”
White, now entering the final year of his three-year, $36 million contract, will earn approximately $12.9 million in the 2025-26 season. The 25-year-old guard is coming off a breakout campaign, where he averaged 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 45.3% from the field across 74 regular-season games. His performance solidified his role as a key offensive weapon for the Bulls, showcasing his ability to score efficiently and facilitate the offense.
White’s decision to wait for free agency could prove to be a strategic move, as his market value continues to rise. With the NBA’s salary cap expected to increase and his proven production on the court, White is poised to command a contract that could redefine the Bulls’ financial landscape.
In addition to White, the Bulls face another critical decision regarding guard Ayo Dosunmu, who is also in the final year of his three-year, $21 million deal, earning roughly $7.5 million in 2025-26. Dosunmu, a versatile 25-year-old guard, has shown promise as a playmaker and defender, but his future with the team is uncertain as Chicago navigates its salary cap constraints.
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale recently proposed a mock trade that would see Dosunmu moved to the Denver Nuggets in a three-team deal. In the proposed trade, the Bulls would receive Zeke Nnaji, Peyton Watson, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2028 first-round swap, while Denver would acquire Dosunmu and Justin Champagnie. The Washington Wizards would receive a 2032 second-round pick in the deal.
“Dosunmu is not a conventional floor general, but he’s shown glimmers of improved playmaking coming around ball screens, and he knows how to facilitate when attacking downhill,” Favale wrote. “His ability to guard up on defense will permit Denver to play him beside Jamal Murray.”
The potential trade of Dosunmu could be a proactive step to clear cap space for White’s anticipated blockbuster contract. With White emerging as a foundational piece for the Bulls, prioritizing his extension aligns with the team’s long-term vision of building around a dynamic, young core. However, losing Dosunmu, a Chicago native and fan favorite, could impact team chemistry and depth in the backcourt.
The Bulls’ front office, led by Arturas Karnisovas, must weigh the benefits of retaining both guards against the financial realities of the NBA. White’s pursuit of a contract exceeding $30 million AAV signals his confidence in his value, and the Bulls will need to plan carefully to accommodate his demands while maintaining a competitive roster.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Coby White to see if he can build on his career-best performance and further solidify his case for a monumental payday. His decision to bypass an extension this season reflects a calculated gamble, one that could reshape the Bulls’ future and set a new benchmark for contracts in the NBA.
For now, Chicago fans can only wait and watch as White prepares to shatter the market, potentially securing a deal that cements his status as one of the league’s premier young talents. Whether the Bulls can balance their roster and finances to keep both White and Dosunmu—or make tough choices to prioritize their cornerstone—remains to be seen.