Chicago Bulls Shut Down Trade Offers for Coby White
The Chicago Bulls have firmly rejected multiple trade offers for guard Coby White this summer, signaling their commitment to the 25-year-old despite ongoing roster changes.
“I know multiple teams tried to trade for Coby this summer,” an NBA executive told Ashish Mathur of Dallas Hoops Journal. “There was some chatter that he was almost traded on draft night.”
But the Bulls weren’t interested in letting him go.
“The Bulls love him though. He’s not going anywhere. They have shot down trade inquiries for him,” the executive added.
This stance comes after Chicago already parted ways with one high-scoring guard last season when they traded Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings.
White is entering the final year of his contract, which had fueled speculation about his future with the team. The Bulls’ reluctance to move him suggests they see him as part of their long-term plans.
White’s Career Year
Last season was a breakthrough for White, who put up career-best numbers across the board.
He averaged 20.4 points per game while dishing out 4.5 assists and grabbing 3.7 rebounds in just over 33 minutes per game.
His shooting was impressive too – 45.3% from the field, 37% from three-point range, and a stellar 90.2% from the free-throw line.
This wasn’t just a one-year fluke. White had already shown his potential in 2023-24 with solid averages of 19.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds.
While his defense isn’t his calling card, it has gotten better. And on a Bulls roster that’s struggled to find consistent scoring, White’s offensive firepower has become even more valuable.
From Rookie Promise to Team Cornerstone
White’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. The former North Carolina star was picked seventh overall in the 2019 NBA Draft and finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting, showing early promise.
But his development hit some bumps in the following seasons.
Now it seems he’s finally hitting his stride, and at a bargain price too. White’s $12.9 million salary for 2025-26 looks like a steal for a player putting up over 20 points per game with efficient shooting.
The Bulls desperately need this kind of production. They’ve made the playoffs just once since 2017-18 and have only one winning season since 2016-17. Last year’s 39-43 record left them on the outside looking in again.
If White can keep up his scoring and efficiency, he might be the piece Chicago builds around as they try to climb back into playoff contention. For now, it seems the Bulls are betting on White being part of their future, not trade bait.
