As the NBA Finals tip off, the Golden State Warriors are already deep into strategizing for their next championship push. With their aging core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the recently acquired Jimmy Butler, the goal is clear: bolster the roster for another title run. The Warriors have been linked to a number of high-profile targets, but a recent report from the Chicago Bulls has sent shockwaves through the league, hinting at a potential blockbuster opportunity that could redefine Golden State’s offseason.
The Warriors’ Championship Imperative: The Golden State Warriors operate on a unique timeline. Their veteran core, while still highly effective, isn’t getting any younger. The addition of Jimmy Butler signals a clear “win now” mentality, and the front office under Bob Myers (or his successor, depending on the exact timeline) will be aggressively seeking moves to maximize their championship window. The team needs to address depth, size, and consistent scoring beyond their main stars.
Bulls’ Shifting Sands: A Surprise Availability? The latest intelligence from the Chicago Bulls is incredibly significant. According to Hardwood Paroxysm, “two different East personnel figures believe that the Bulls are unlikely to retain both Josh Giddey and Coby White.” This suggests a potential parting of ways with one of their key young guards. While the Bulls are historically cautious with major trades (as seen with the prolonged sagas of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine), this report indicates a shift towards a full rebuild, meaning valuable assets could become available. Reports about Chicago actively shopping Nikola Vucevic, a known Warriors target for his veteran scoring and rebounding, have already been circulating. Now, Coby White, a dynamic young guard with long-term potential, is also explicitly mentioned as a possible trade piece.
People around the league believe that either Coby White or Josh Giddey will be on a new team next season, per @HPbasketball
“This is outside speculative, but two different East personnel figures believe that the Bulls are unlikely to retain both Josh Giddey and Coby White. If… pic.twitter.com/B9hn3DHl7S
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 3, 2025
The Dream Scenario: A Bulls Double-Dip for Golden State? For the Warriors, the ultimate hypothetical scenario involves a “double-dip” into the Bulls’ roster. Imagine a blockbuster deal that lands both Nikola Vucevic and Coby White in the Bay Area.
Nikola Vucevic: He offers the veteran scoring, rebounding, and post-presence that Golden State has sometimes lacked. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man would fit seamlessly into their offensive system, taking pressure off Curry and Butler. He’s also in the final year of his current deal (earning $21.48 million in 2025-26), making him an attractive expiring contract. Coby White: At 25 years old (as of the 2025-26 season), White represents both immediate impact and future potential. He’s on an incredibly team-friendly deal (earning $12.89 million in 2025-26 and becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026). His breakout season in 2024-25, where he averaged over 20 points, showcased his scoring prowess and playmaking ability. He would add another dynamic scorer and ball-handler to the Warriors’ backcourt, capable of playing alongside or backing up Curry. However, White is expected to seek a much larger contract when he becomes a free agent in 2026, potentially around $40 million per year, which would require the Warriors to have significant cap space or pull off a creative sign-and-trade if they acquire him this summer and want to keep him long-term.
The Cost and The Caution: Acquiring both Vucevic and White would undoubtedly deplete the Warriors’ trade assets. It would require them to send out significant draft capital and possibly young players like Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody. The question for Golden State’s front office becomes: how much are they willing to sacrifice for a “win now” push that also secures a potential future piece? Furthermore, the Bulls’ historical reluctance to pull the trigger on big trades adds a layer of uncertainty. While a rebuild suggests they’ll be more open to moves, their track record demands caution.
The latest reports from Chicago have thrown open a fascinating possibility for the Golden State Warriors. The potential availability of both Coby White and Nikola Vucevic presents a unique opportunity to significantly bolster their roster for another championship run while also securing a key young talent for the future. While acquiring both would come at a significant cost in terms of trade assets, the immediate impact of Vucevic and the long-term potential of White could be too enticing for the Warriors to pass up. All eyes will be on both Chicago and Golden State as the offseason unfolds, to see if the Bulls’ cautious approach shifts and if the Warriors can pull off a move that truly shakes up the NBA landscape.