The Chicago Bulls, mired in a three-year stretch of Play-In Tournament appearances without advancing to the postseason, are reportedly considering a seismic shift in their roster. With a crowded backcourt and a franchise stuck in basketball purgatory, sources indicate that the Bulls are quietly laying the groundwork to trade one of their prized young talents, Coby White. The 26-year-old guard, whose has emerged as a dynamic scorer, is drawing significant interest from rival teams, with multiple franchises preparing bold offers to pry him away from Chicago.
A Crowded Backcourt Prompts Tough Decisions
The Bulls’ roster is brimming with guard talent, a situation complicated by their expected re-signing of Josh Giddey, who enters restricted free agency this offseason. Giddey, acquired last season, has solidified his role as a key facilitator, pushing White into a more off-ball role after starting at point guard in 2023-24. With Lonzo Ball, Kevin Huerter, Ayo Dosunmu, and potentially Jevon Carter (expected to opt into his $6.8 million player option) returning next season, Chicago faces a logjam in the backcourt. Dalen Terry, a versatile wing, and Tre Jones, who impressed in 18 games after being acquired in the Zach LaVine trade, further crowd the rotation.
As the Bulls are preparing to sign Josh Giddey to a new long-term extension, rival teams believe Coby White could be made available in trade talks.
White, who is also extension-eligible, averaged a career-high 20.4 points per game this season. pic.twitter.com/ZJcQFqTQzZ
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 16, 2025
According to Evan Sidery of Forbes, rival executives believe the Bulls are open to trading White, whose career-best 2024-25 season showcased his growth. The former No. 7 overall pick averaged 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, shooting 45.3% from the field and 37.0% from three on 7.9 attempts per game. His 90.2% free-throw accuracy and a career-high 44-point outburst against Orlando on March 6 underscored his value as a high-volume scorer. Yet, with White entering the final year of his three-year, $36 million contract, the Bulls may be looking to capitalize on his trade value before he hits unrestricted free agency in 2026.
Why Trade White Now?
Trading White could serve multiple strategic goals for Chicago. First, it would alleviate roster congestion, creating clearer roles for Giddey, Ball, and Dosunmu while opening minutes for younger players like Terry. Second, with the Bulls holding the No. 12 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, they are likely targeting a frontcourt player to eventually replace Nikola Vucevic at center. Packaging White in a deal could net a young big man or additional draft capital to address that need. Finally, moving White before his next contract extension could help Chicago avoid a costly long-term commitment, especially if they’re uncertain about his fit in their long-term plans.
The Bulls’ reluctance to fully rebuild has drawn scrutiny, but trading White could signal a pivot toward retooling around a new core. While Giddey’s playmaking and Dosunmu’s defensive tenacity align with Chicago’s vision, White’s scoring prowess makes him the most attractive trade chip for teams looking to add offensive firepower.
Teams Lining Up with Bold Offers
League sources indicate that multiple teams are preparing aggressive offers for White, viewing him as a potential cornerstone or immediate impact player. Though specific suitors remain undisclosed, teams with cap space or expiring contracts, such as the Brooklyn Nets, could be in the mix. Contenders seeking a young, proven scorer to complement their roster—like the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, or even the Denver Nuggets—might also craft packages involving draft picks, young prospects, or rotation players.
One hypothetical deal could see White headed to Miami for a package centered around Jaime Jaquez Jr., a future first-round pick, and salary filler. Another scenario might involve Denver offering Michael Porter Jr. in a blockbuster swap, though such a move would require careful salary cap gymnastics. The Nets, flush with assets from their rebuild, could tempt Chicago with a deal involving multiple first-round picks and a young player like Cam Thomas.
What’s Next for Chicago?
The Bulls’ front office faces a pivotal offseason. Retaining Giddey while potentially moving White would reshape their roster and signal a commitment to breaking out of their Play-In rut. However, trading a fan-favorite and homegrown talent like White carries emotional and strategic weight. If Chicago pulls the trigger, the return must be substantial—either a young star, high-value draft assets, or a combination of both—to justify moving a player of White’s caliber.
As the NBA Draft approaches and free agency looms, the Bulls’ intentions will come into sharper focus. For now, the league is buzzing with anticipation, as rival teams prepare to test Chicago’s resolve with offers that could reshape the franchise’s future.