🚨 Coby White’s Trade Status: Bulls Struggling to Land First-Round Pick for Veteran Guard 👇

As the NBA trade deadline looms, the Chicago Bulls are once again in a familiar position—on track for a play-in appearance for the fourth consecutive year. The team’s inconsistent play has prompted numerous trade rumors, with one name frequently surfacing in discussions: Coby White.
The veteran guard, known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, could be on the move before the February 5 deadline, but recent reports suggest the Bulls are encountering difficulties in finding a fair deal for him. Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic reported that Chicago is struggling to meet the asking price for White, particularly when it comes to securing a first-round pick in return.
Coby White’s Trade Value: The Struggle to Gauge His Worth
One of the main issues Chicago is facing in their attempts to trade Coby White is the difficulty in gauging his true market value. The market for expiring contracts, like White’s, is tricky to navigate. According to Lorenzi, while many transactions involving players on expiring deals have taken place this season, it’s unclear what White’s current value is on the open market.
One source reportedly indicated that early attempts to land a first-round pick for White have been unsuccessful, as teams are wary of his expiring contract and injury history. With White set to become a free agent in the upcoming offseason, teams may hesitate to give up significant assets for a player who could walk away in just a few months.
As Lorenzi points out, White is not without value—he has proven to be a talented scorer and playmaker—but the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Bulls has made it harder for them to land a deal that meets their expectations.
Injury Concerns: A Factor in Trade Talks

Another issue contributing to White’s reduced trade value is his injury history. After dealing with calf issues earlier in the season, White missed a portion of the 2025-26 campaign. While he’s back on the floor now, his nagging calf problems have flared up intermittently throughout the season, raising questions about his long-term health and availability.
In today’s NBA, where teams are looking for consistency and reliability, this uncertainty surrounding White’s health could be a significant deterrent. While he’s shown flashes of his potential as a scorer and playmaker, his injury concerns, combined with his expiring contract, make him a more risky asset than other players on the market.
White’s Strengths: A Scorer and Playmaker
Despite the concerns about his health and contract status, Coby White remains a talented player who can impact a game in multiple ways. He’s known for his scoring ability, particularly his ability to get hot from beyond the arc in a hurry. His quick release and shooting range make him a valuable offensive weapon when he’s in a rhythm.
Beyond scoring, White is also capable of making plays for his teammates, whether it’s through penetration into the lane or creating opportunities off the dribble. His offensive versatility has made him an important contributor for the Chicago Bulls, especially during moments when the team has needed someone to provide a scoring spark.
However, there are some limitations to his game that make him less appealing to certain teams. White’s lack of size at the shooting guard position is one such issue. Standing at 6’4”, he doesn’t possess the size or length that many teams now covet in their backcourt. In a league that increasingly values length, versatility, and two-way players, White’s defensive shortcomings are a significant concern. He has often struggled to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball, lacking the tenacity and defensive awareness that would elevate his value in today’s NBA.
The Current State of the Bulls: Will They Make a Move?
As the trade deadline draws closer, the Chicago Bulls face a tough decision on what direction they want to take. With a 24-26 record, they are positioned for another play-in appearance, but it’s unclear whether the team has the pieces to push beyond that. In the meantime, trade rumors involving Coby White will continue to swirl, with the Bulls trying to find a deal that makes sense for both the team and White’s future.
If the Bulls are unable to find a fair trade for White, they could ultimately choose to keep him through the deadline and risk losing him for nothing in the offseason. While White’s value has been somewhat diminished by his contract status and injury concerns, his potential as a scorer and playmaker makes him an attractive piece for teams looking to add depth in their backcourt.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Bulls?
The Chicago Bulls have a lot of decisions to make as the trade deadline approaches. Coby White, once viewed as a promising young guard, has become a bit of a wildcard in the Bulls’ plans. The team needs to evaluate whether keeping him for the remainder of the season gives them the best shot at playoff contention or whether moving him could help retool the roster for the long-term future.
For White, this could be a pivotal moment in his career. Whether he stays in Chicago or moves to a new team, his future in the NBA could be shaped by the next few days leading up to the trade deadline. As always, the trade rumors will continue to swirl, and only time will tell what the next chapter holds for both Coby White and the Chicago Bulls.