With the NBA trade deadline looming, the Chicago Bulls find themselves at the center of the rumor mill-particularly when it comes to their backcourt. Guards Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones have all reportedly drawn interest from teams around the league, but it’s White who’s emerging as the most likely candidate to be on the move.
Multiple reports indicate that White is the name being floated most often in trade discussions. While all three guards have their strengths, the Bulls appear to be prioritizing Dosunmu as a long-term piece, with indications that the front office is more inclined to extend him than White. That preference is rooted in both fit and finances.
White and Dosunmu are both on track to hit unrestricted free agency this summer. But here’s the catch: White already turned down a potential extension that would’ve paid him up to $87 million over four years. He’s expected to be seeking a bigger payday-one that might not align with Chicago’s current cap strategy, especially after handing Josh Giddey a four-year, $100 million deal last offseason.
That Giddey deal looms large in this conversation. The Bulls see Dosunmu as a better complementary fit alongside Giddey.
Dosunmu doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact, while White thrives as a primary ball-handler. In other words, there’s a bit of a stylistic clash when it comes to building a cohesive backcourt around Giddey-and Dosunmu checks more of the boxes.
Add in the fact that Dosunmu is a Chicago native and reportedly has strong alignment with the coaching staff, and it’s easy to see why the Bulls are leaning in his direction.
As for White, there’s no shortage of suitors. The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to be linked to the 23-year-old guard.
With a need for more offensive firepower in the backcourt, White’s scoring ability and shot creation are attractive. There’s also a front-office connection at play-Minnesota’s Tim Connelly and Chicago’s Artūras Karnišovas worked together in Denver, which could help facilitate talks.
But the Wolves are in a tight financial spot. They’ve already committed more than $194 million in guaranteed salary for next season, making it tough to justify giving up significant assets for a player who could walk in free agency. That’s especially true if White is looking for a deal north of $87 million.
There’s also the Mike Conley factor. The veteran point guard’s $10.8 million expiring deal would be a logical piece to match salaries in a potential trade, but Minnesota values Conley’s leadership and stability. They’re reportedly more open to moving rookie guard Rob Dillingham, a 2024 lottery pick, though it’s unclear if that would be enough to get a deal done.
The Rockets are another team that’s reportedly in the mix for White. Houston has been mentioned as a potential trade partner by multiple sources, with names like Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason coming up in conversations. While it makes sense that the Bulls would target those kinds of young, high-upside players, there’s skepticism around whether Houston would actually part with either one.
Sheppard has carved out a solid role in his second season, and Eason has been described as off-limits in trade talks. That doesn’t rule out a deal entirely, but it does suggest that Houston would have to get creative to make something work.
The Clippers are also keeping tabs on White, and there are reportedly several other teams monitoring the situation as well. With White’s scoring punch and ability to run an offense, he’s a natural fit for teams looking to bolster their guard rotation ahead of the postseason push.
The Bulls, meanwhile, are walking a delicate line. They have the flexibility to retain White thanks to his Bird rights and a relatively clean cap sheet. But with Dosunmu’s emergence and Giddey’s presence, they have to ask themselves whether it makes sense to commit big money to a guard who may not be the best stylistic fit moving forward.
The next few days will be telling. If the Bulls can find the right return, don’t be surprised to see Coby White in a new uniform by the time the deadline passes.