Bulls Reportedly Seeking Unprotected First-Round Pick for Coby White, but His Looming Free Agency Complicates Market

As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Bulls appear prepared to enter one of the most pivotal stretches of their season — and perhaps of their longer-term roster overhaul — as they weigh their options regarding guard Coby White, whose name continues to surface across league circles. According to NBA analyst and writer Jake Weinbach, Chicago has established a clear asking price: an unprotected first-round pick in exchange for the 24-year-old guard. But while the price makes sense from Chicago’s perspective, obtaining that level of draft capital may prove significantly more challenging than expected.

White, currently on an expiring $12.8 million contract, rejected a potential extension from the Bulls last offseason, leaving him on track to enter unrestricted free agency this summer. That reality alone complicates Chicago’s efforts to secure premium assets. Teams are often reluctant to send unprotected picks for a player they could lose within months, particularly one who may seek a larger role or a more favorable organizational situation in free agency.

Despite the uncertainty, interest in White remains strong across the league. His production this season has made him one of the more appealing backcourt players on the market, averaging 18.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.5 rebounds across 24 games. White has evolved into a reliable offensive weapon, displaying improved shot creation, secondary playmaking, and scoring versatility that appeals to any team in need of guard depth or a scoring punch.

A detailed breakdown of White’s season highlights his value:

Coby White 2025–26 Season Snapshot

• MIN: 28.72

• PTS: 18.83 (54.59% EFG)

• REB: 3.46

• AST: 4.67

• STL: 0.71

• BLK: 0.08

• TOV: 3.08

• G: 24

These metrics paint the picture of a productive, high-usage guard who has carved out his niche as both a scoring option and a capable facilitator. For a team in playoff contention seeking offensive versatility and backcourt reinforcement, White represents a clear upgrade.

Minnesota Timberwolves Construct Early Trade Offer

Among the teams most closely connected to White, the Minnesota Timberwolves stand out as a well-documented suitor. Minnesota’s interest is not new — the organization has been searching for another dynamic guard who can complement its defensive identity while providing supplemental scoring behind Anthony Edwards.

According to league insiders, the Timberwolves have already put together a preliminary trade package that would send:

• Mike Conley

• Terrence Shannon Jr.

• Multiple second-round picks

to the Bulls in exchange for White.

While Conley has been a stabilizing force for Minnesota with his leadership and efficiency, he is also 37 years old and on an expiring contract. Moving him in a deal for White would allow the Timberwolves to get younger while adding a more athletic, aggressive guard who can be part of their long-term development timeline.

Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota’s intriguing rookie, adds upside to the proposal. But the heart of the offer revolves around the second-round picks — a far cry from the unprotected first-rounder Chicago desires.

The Market Reality: Why Chicago May Struggle to Command an Unprotected First-Round Pick

Unprotected first-round picks are among the most valuable commodities in the NBA, especially in the current trade market, where even high-level starters often fail to command such assets. For Chicago to fetch one, several difficult conditions would need to align:

1. The acquiring team must feel confident it can re-sign White.
White will be an unrestricted free agent, not restricted, meaning he can sign anywhere this summer without giving his previous team matching rights. That increases risk significantly.

2. The team must project itself as a contender willing to trade a valuable pick for short-term gain.
Only a handful of teams fit that description, and most already have crowded backcourts or limited cap flexibility.

3. Teams must believe White can elevate their playoff ceiling.
While talented, White is not viewed as a franchise-altering player. More often, he is seen as a high-quality rotational piece.

Across the league, the Bulls’ situation is widely understood, and executives know that Chicago may have to lower its asking price as the trade deadline approaches — especially if no team steps forward with an offer closer to the Bulls’ valuation.

Minnesota’s Position: A Logical Fit With Real Obstacles

Minnesota’s interest extends beyond simply adding talent. White offers the Timberwolves:

• A secondary scorer behind Edwards

• A younger guard capable of long-term contribution

• Additional offensive creation in late-clock situations

• A competitive complement to a defensive-minded roster

However, Minnesota also faces its own long-term cap mechanics. The organization is navigating significant salary commitments to Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert. A potential White re-signing could carry luxury-tax consequences depending on the number he commands.

The Timberwolves’ early offer signals their interest — but not necessarily their willingness to meet Chicago’s full price.

White’s Contract Rejection and Impending Free Agency

White’s decision to reject an extension from the Bulls last offseason appears increasingly strategic. By entering unrestricted free agency, he gives himself:

• The freedom to choose his destination

• The possibility of securing a larger payday

• The opportunity to seek a larger offensive role

• The ability to join a system better aligned with his strengths

For Chicago, this means one thing: diminished leverage.

Teams will be hesitant to trade a valuable first-round pick for a player they could pursue outright in July. Even if the Bulls hope that a bidding war develops, White’s contract status remains one of the biggest obstacles in the negotiations.

Growing Fan Interest and Betting Trends Reflect Market Buzz

As rumors continue to build, fans following NBA trade odds and player props have increased their attention on White’s potential landing spots. Minnesota remains the most publicly linked destination, but other franchises with guard depth issues could join the mix as the deadline nears.

Teams that could logically explore a move for White include:

• Orlando Magic (need shot creation)

• Philadelphia 76ers (bench playmaking)

• Utah Jazz (long-term guard upside)

• New York Knicks (additional playmaking insurance)

However, none of these teams have yet positioned themselves as aggressive suitors willing to meet Chicago’s current demands.

Final Outlook: Bulls Must Choose Between Value and Risk

The Bulls have made their asking price clear, but market dynamics suggest Chicago may need to adjust expectations. An unprotected first-round pick is hard to acquire for a player approaching free agency, and multiple teams are likely to play a waiting game rather than bidding aggressively.

For now, Minnesota’s offer stands as the most detailed proposal. Whether the Bulls accept something similar — or wait in hopes of a stronger offer — will define the upcoming weeks in Chicago.

White is in the midst of a productive year, averaging nearly 19 points per game and showing meaningful improvement across multiple categories. But the decision looming for Chicago is not about talent. It is about leverage, timing, and the risk of losing him for nothing this summer.