Bulls Enter Trade Talks as Coby White Draws Interest from Timberwolves
The Chicago Bulls have been the subject of plenty of trade chatter this season, but for the first time in a while, it’s not just about who they might acquire - it’s about who they might lose. With the team sliding further down the standings and a rebuild looming large on the horizon, the Bulls may finally be ready to shake things up. And it starts with one of their most improved and intriguing pieces: Coby White.
Coby White: From Fan Favorite to Trade Chip?
Coby White, the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has grown into a key figure in Chicago’s rotation. Over the years, he’s become a fan favorite - and for good reason.
He’s arguably shown the most consistent development of any Bulls draftee in the last decade, evolving into a dynamic scorer who can play both on and off the ball. His speed, shot creation, and ability to heat up in a hurry have made him one of the few bright spots in what’s been a rocky season.
But that progress comes with a price - literally.
White is in the final year of his current deal, and with the way he’s been trending, he’s due for a significant raise from the $12 million per year he’s currently making. That looming payday, combined with the Bulls’ downward trajectory, makes him a logical trade candidate. Especially if the front office doesn’t view him as part of the long-term core.
And now, there’s a suitor.
Timberwolves Eyeing White to Solve Ball-Handling Woes
According to a report, the Minnesota Timberwolves are interested in acquiring White - and they aren’t looking to wait until the February trade deadline to make something happen. Minnesota has struggled with primary ball-handling all season, and White’s ability to handle the rock and create offense could make him a valuable addition to their rotation.
The proposed deal, per reports, would bring the Bulls a young player, a salary-matching contract, and draft compensation. For Chicago, that’s a package worth considering - especially if they believe White’s next contract will outpace his on-court value, or if they’re ready to lean fully into a rebuild.
Bulls at a Crossroads
Chicago’s current record suggests the team is barreling toward a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. They’ve gone 2-5 recently with White in the lineup, including some tough losses to teams at the bottom of the standings. While it’s unfair to pin those struggles on White alone, the results speak to a roster that just isn’t clicking.
And with the trade deadline approaching, the Bulls have to decide: do they hang onto their expiring deals and risk losing players for nothing this summer, or do they start flipping assets now and stockpile for the future?
Veteran center Nikola Vucevic is another name to watch. At 35, with his contract also set to expire after this season, he’s a logical trade candidate for a contender in need of frontcourt depth. Moving him - or any other aging piece - would align with a broader rebuild strategy.
Is This the Start of Something Bigger?
This potential White-to-Minnesota deal could be the first domino to fall. If the Bulls continue to slide in the standings and drift further from the Play-In picture, expect the front office to get more aggressive. Selling off expiring contracts and players who don’t fit the long-term vision is the clearest path to a full reset.
The big question now: does Artūras Karnišovas, who’s typically been reserved at the trade deadline, finally break character and start reshaping the roster in earnest?
If this is indeed the beginning of a rebuild, Bulls fans will be watching closely - not just to see who gets moved, but whether this front office can be trusted to build it back up the right way.