Coby White’s Future in Flux as Chicago Bulls Explore Trade Options

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White is at the center of trade speculation as the team navigates a unique 2025-26 season, one that balances competing for a play-in spot while also focusing on long-term rebuilding and roster flexibility.

White, entering the final year of his contract, is expected to be shopped by Chicago at the upcoming trade deadline. The Bulls reportedly do not plan to meet his anticipated financial demands in free agency this summer, making him a prime candidate for relocation.

Multiple teams in the league are actively searching for a point guard, and White’s contract—while not exorbitant—is attractive relative to elite stars like Ja Morant or Trae Young, whose larger salaries make them more challenging to acquire in trades.

Among the potential suitors, the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as a team showing strong interest in acquiring White. According to Clutch Points, Chicago has set a specific asking price for the guard:

“Right now, they’ve wanted an unprotected first-round pick for Coby White. Even though he is in the final year of his contract, they feel that he is that type of value and that type of player where if they move him, he’s going to be the same type of player that he’s been for the Bulls.”

The asking price is significant. An unprotected first-round pick carries substantial value in the modern NBA, particularly given the potential for high lottery selections. Yet, Chicago believes that White’s skill set and versatility justify such a steep return.

For Minnesota, the appeal lies in the relative cost compared to acquiring other high-profile point guards on the market. White is a capable player who could fill a positional need without destabilizing the Timberwolves’ roster. Unlike more expensive stars, White’s contract allows Minnesota to integrate him without sacrificing depth at key positions.

Why Minnesota Is Interested in Coby White

The Timberwolves have been in contention in the Western Conference, making the Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons. Despite this success, one persistent challenge has been the lack of a reliable point guard to manage the offense when superstar Anthony Edwards sits.

Minnesota has attempted to fill this gap with players like Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and Bones Hyland, who have occasionally taken on ball-handling responsibilities. However, none of these options have provided the consistent floor leadership required in crucial late-game situations.

White represents an ideal solution. He enjoys playing the point guard position but is also comfortable playing off the ball when Edwards is orchestrating the offense. This versatility aligns with Minnesota’s need for a secondary playmaker who can both facilitate and score when Edwards rests.

Additionally, White’s contract structure is favorable for the Timberwolves. Integrating him into the roster would allow Minnesota to address its point guard deficiency without sacrificing depth or existing core pieces, making the move strategically sound if negotiations can be finalized.

Potential Trade Considerations for Minnesota

While White’s skill set is appealing, the asking price remains a major hurdle. An unprotected first-round pick could be extremely valuable, particularly if the Timberwolves face injuries or a disappointing stretch of games. In today’s NBA, unprotected picks are commodities that can shape a franchise’s long-term trajectory.

Minnesota must weigh the short-term benefit of adding a capable point guard against the long-term cost of losing a potential lottery selection. Given Edwards’ emergence as a young superstar, the team may feel confident in contending immediately, which would make the draft pick less valuable in practical terms.

Still, injuries or underperformance can rapidly increase the value of a first-round pick, introducing an element of risk to any deal. Timberwolves management will have to evaluate whether White is worth the gamble in pursuit of immediate contention.

Another factor is the financial commitment that would follow. White becomes a free agent after the season, and Minnesota would need to negotiate a contract extension to ensure he remains part of the team’s core. The Bulls are trading him specifically because they will not meet his desired salary, so Minnesota would need confidence that they can secure him long-term without overpaying.

Coby White’s Fit With Minnesota

If acquired, White could serve as a stabilizing force in the Timberwolves’ backcourt. His ability to handle the ball, create scoring opportunities for teammates, and contribute defensively would address a key weakness for Minnesota.

White’s dual capability—playing both point guard and off-ball shooting guard—fits the modern NBA emphasis on versatility. It would also allow Edwards to maintain his scoring focus while ensuring that Minnesota’s offensive efficiency does not decline when their superstar rests.

Furthermore, White’s age and potential make him an asset for the future. At 23 years old, he still has room to develop his game and could grow into a reliable secondary star alongside Edwards. This aligns with Minnesota’s current contention window while keeping the team competitive over the next several seasons.

What’s Next for White and the Bulls

For Chicago, the trade represents an opportunity to acquire future assets while clearing payroll flexibility. Moving White could allow the Bulls to focus on other areas of need and potentially build around younger talent while planning for the offseason.

However, the unprotected first-round pick requirement may limit the pool of realistic suitors, as not every team is willing to give up such a high-value asset for a one-year rental or risk-laden player. Negotiations are likely to involve compromise, balancing Chicago’s return with Minnesota’s cap flexibility and long-term plans.

Ultimately, Coby White’s future may be determined within the next few weeks, as the trade deadline approaches. The combination of team needs, draft capital, and salary considerations will dictate whether Minnesota—or another team—can secure his services and integrate him effectively into a contending roster.

As the Bulls continue to navigate this dual focus of competing now while preparing for the future, White remains a key piece whose fate could influence both franchises’ trajectories for years to come.

Joey Haverford covers the NBA, WNBA, MLB, and NFL for Heavy.com and brings over a decade of experience reporting on professional sports, providing insight into player development, trades, and team strategy.