Coby White Faces a Rocky Trade Market as Chicago Bulls Weigh Options

The Chicago Bulls find themselves in a situation that may feel all too familiar to NBA observers following the trade saga surrounding Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. Like Young, Bulls guard Coby White is a talented offensive player whose defensive shortcomings and injury history are limiting his trade market appeal, leaving the team in a difficult position as they approach the 2026 trade deadline.

According to analysts, the Bulls have actively shopped White ahead of his impending contract extension, hoping to secure assets while potentially allowing the young guard a fresh start elsewhere. However, league interest has been limited, mirroring what the Hawks experienced with Young, who has struggled to attract suitors despite his status as a perennial All-Star.

White’s situation is complicated by injuries that have kept him off the floor at crucial points this season. The less exposure other teams have to his performance and health, the more hesitant they are to take on his services. White has missed multiple games in 2025-26, making it difficult for potential trade partners to assess his current impact on the Bulls’ rotation.

Evaluating White’s On-Court Impact

A closer look at the numbers underscores the challenge for any team considering White. The Bulls’ record with him on the court is 8-9, while without him, the team sits at 9-10. While White has undeniable scoring talent, these results suggest that his presence does not dramatically shift the team’s fortunes.

Defense is a central concern for prospective suitors. White’s defensive activity is limited, and his smaller frame makes it challenging for him to match up against bigger, more physical guards. Teams looking to bolster their backcourt must weigh his offensive upside against the risk of defensive liability, particularly in high-stakes playoff matchups.

White’s scoring efficiency has also dipped this season, compounding the problem. For a player entering a contract year, timing could not be worse. Free-agent status next summer adds another layer of complexity. Any team acquiring White now faces uncertainty: either they may lose him after just a few months or commit to a significant contract extension to retain him long-term.

Financial Considerations and Contract Complications

Coby White’s situation differs slightly from Trae Young’s, but financial factors remain critical. While White’s salary is not as prohibitive as Young’s—who makes over $45 million annually—teams must still account for cap space when evaluating a trade. With both immediate salary and potential contract extension looming, White’s trade value is muted despite his scoring ability.

From the Bulls’ perspective, finding a suitor who can address defensive needs while valuing White’s offensive skill set is paramount. Ideally, a trade would provide Chicago with assets while placing White in an environment conducive to maximizing his talent. For White himself, a successful trade could mean a chance to rebuild his perception, showcase his scoring and playmaking, and improve his chances for the contract extension he desires.

Comparisons to Trae Young

The parallels between White and Young are striking. Both are dynamic scorers whose defensive limitations give teams pause. Both have had injuries that raise questions about consistency and availability. And both are entering critical points in their contract situations, where performance and perception can significantly impact trade and free-agency outcomes.

For Young, limited interest on the trade market has left the Hawks in a bind. White faces a similar risk: without careful planning, the Bulls could struggle to receive fair value for a player who, on paper, still has considerable upside. The last thing Chicago or White wants is a repeat of Atlanta’s situation—where talent is available, but timing, injury history, and defensive concerns depress market interest.

Potential Scenarios for White

Despite the challenges, opportunities remain. Teams in need of shooting, scoring, and floor spacing could benefit from White if they are able to accept his defensive limitations. A strong short-term stint in a better system or on a team built to complement his strengths could raise his profile and restore his trade and contract value.

For the Bulls, even a modest trade could yield valuable draft picks or young talent while giving White the chance to thrive elsewhere. The goal is a mutually beneficial outcome: White receives an opportunity to shine, the Bulls gain assets, and the acquiring team fills a scoring need. The clock is ticking, however, as the NBA trade deadline approaches, and Chicago must act decisively to avoid being left with a player whose trade value diminishes further with time.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, the Bulls will have to carefully manage White’s playing time, health, and public narrative, ensuring that potential suitors have confidence in both his availability and performance. White’s ability to contribute in scoring, floor spacing, and offensive creation will be critical if Chicago hopes to attract meaningful interest.

The next few weeks will be pivotal. Injuries to other Bulls guards or changes in team performance could either enhance or further reduce White’s trade market. The organization faces a balancing act between competing this season and planning for the future, particularly as they consider extensions, trades, and development of younger talent in the roster.

Ultimately, White’s situation is emblematic of the challenges teams face when dealing with talented but flawed players: his scoring upside is undeniable, but defensive limitations, injuries, and contract complications make him a complex asset. For the Bulls and White alike, the goal will be to maximize value, seize opportunity, and avoid the pitfalls that have already befallen others in similar situations, like Trae Young.