Coby White isn’t just another name floating in the NBA trade rumor mill-he’s a player who’s grown up in Chicago, both on and off the court. And now, as he nears unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career, the Bulls guard finds himself at a crossroads.
White, who entered the league as a 19-year-old scoring dynamo out of North Carolina, has spent nearly seven seasons in a Bulls uniform. He came in known for his offensive firepower, but he’s worked tirelessly to evolve into a more complete point guard. That growth hasn’t always followed a straight path, but it’s been steady-and at times, spectacular.
His rookie year gave us glimpses of what he could be: 13.2 points and 2.7 assists per game. In year two, those numbers jumped to 15.1 and 4.8.
Then came the 2023-24 season-his breakout campaign. White averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 assists, and shot 37.6% from three on a career-high seven attempts per game.
That wasn’t just a statistical leap-it was a statement. He wasn’t just fitting into the NBA anymore; he was starting to shape games.
That evolution earned him a runner-up finish for the Most Improved Player Award, a nod to the work he’s put in behind the scenes. Through role changes, coaching shifts, and roster turnover, White has remained steady-never publicly complaining, always focused on getting better.
So when he says, “I love being here,” in response to the latest swirl of trade rumors, you believe him. He said it during a CHSN pregame show before the Bulls faced the Hornets in Charlotte, brushing off the noise with the kind of maturity that’s come to define his Bulls tenure.
But the rumors are louder now, and they carry more weight. Free agency looms, and teams around the league are paying attention.
Two teams in particular-Dallas and Minnesota-have been linked to White. Both are in need of guard help, but the logistics of a deal aren’t simple.
Minnesota is light on draft assets, while Dallas lacks the kind of young players who could match White’s upside in a trade package. That makes any potential move a complicated dance, especially for a player whose value is rising but whose future remains uncertain.
White is currently averaging 21.9 points and 5.0 assists per game, but he’s also dealing with the effects of a calf injury suffered in the offseason. His three-point shooting has taken a hit-down to a career-low 29.8%-but he’s still finding ways to impact the game. He’s playing through it, trying to regain rhythm while carrying a significant load on a Bulls team still searching for its identity.
The front office has decisions to make. After giving Josh Giddey a four-year, $100 million extension, many assumed White would be next in line for a similar deal-maybe even a longer one, given his time with the franchise.
But at 10-14, with inconsistency on both ends of the floor, the Bulls aren’t exactly in a position to stand pat. It’s fair to wonder if Artūras Karnišovas and his staff are at least listening to offers, even if they haven’t made any firm decisions yet.
White’s camp will likely explore all options as the season progresses. That’s the nature of the business.
But for now, he’s made one thing clear: he still sees Chicago as home. Whether that remains true beyond this season will depend on how the Bulls view his place in their long-term vision.
For a player who’s given the franchise everything from scoring bursts to steady leadership, the next few months could define not just his future, but the direction of the Bulls as a whole.