The Chicago Bulls find themselves in familiar territory - hovering around the play-in mix for what could be the fourth straight season. And as the trade deadline looms, the front office is once again at the center of speculation. This time, it’s Coby White’s name that keeps surfacing.
White, now in his seventh NBA season, has been the subject of ongoing trade discussions, but according to recent reports, Chicago is hitting some roadblocks in trying to move him. The Bulls are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in return, but that price tag has proven tough to justify for potential suitors.
There are a few reasons why the market for White is murky. First, his contract situation.
He’s on an expiring deal, which can be attractive in the right scenario - think cap flexibility or a playoff push - but it also comes with risk. Any team acquiring him now would have to weigh the possibility of losing him for nothing in free agency this summer.
Then there’s the health factor. White missed the early part of the season with a calf issue, and that same injury has flared up again as we’ve turned the calendar to 2026. That kind of uncertainty makes it harder for front offices to commit real assets, especially when they’re unsure of what version of White they’ll be getting - or for how long.
On the court, White still brings value. He’s a microwave scorer who can catch fire in a hurry and shows flashes of being a capable playmaker.
But his fit in today’s NBA isn’t without questions. At 6'4", he’s undersized for a traditional two-guard, and his defense hasn’t exactly been a calling card.
In an era where versatility and switchability are the name of the game, White’s profile doesn’t check every box teams are prioritizing.
That’s not to say he can’t help a contender. In the right role - as a spark plug off the bench or a secondary ball-handler - he can be a difference-maker. But teams are clearly hesitant to meet Chicago’s asking price, especially with the trade deadline just days away.
The Bulls, meanwhile, continue to walk the tightrope between staying competitive and reshaping their roster. Whether White is part of that future remains to be seen. For now, he’s still in a Bulls uniform, and Chicago is back in action Tuesday night with a tough road matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.