Coby White Drawing Trade Interest - But Timberwolves Might Not Be Sold on the Fit
As the NBA trade market begins to stir ahead of the deadline, one name that’s quietly starting to surface is Coby White. The Bulls guard, who’s set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, is reportedly available - and teams are taking notice.
White, who turns 26 in a couple of months, is now in his seventh NBA season and has emerged as one of Chicago’s more consistent scoring options, particularly over the last three years. He’s not just a microwave scorer anymore - he’s evolved into a legitimate offensive engine at times, with improved playmaking and a growing command of the game. But with free agency looming and the Bulls looking increasingly open to offers, his future in Chicago is anything but certain.
One team that’s reportedly checked in? The Minnesota Timberwolves.
That tracks with what we’ve seen from Minnesota this season - they’ve been one of the league’s best stories, but there’s an underlying need for more offensive creation in the backcourt. With Mike Conley anchoring the starting unit but showing signs of age, and the bench struggling to generate consistent offense outside of Naz Reid, the Wolves are clearly in the market for a guard who can get buckets and create for others.
White fits that mold - at least on paper.
But there’s a catch. According to recent reporting, while Minnesota has indeed reached out to Chicago about White, the Wolves aren’t exactly all-in on the idea.
The hesitation? White’s contract status.
He’s playing on a very manageable $12.9 million salary this season, but that number is expected to climb - significantly - when he hits the open market this summer. That uncertainty is giving teams, including Minnesota, reason to pause.
It’s a fair concern. Trading for a player on an expiring deal always comes with risk, especially when you’re not sure you’ll be able to re-sign him.
This wouldn’t be a Kawhi-to-Toronto situation, where a one-year rental paid off in the form of a championship. For Minnesota, White would be more of a complementary piece - a guy who could give them a scoring jolt off the bench or even slide into the starting lineup depending on how things shake out.
But that kind of role doesn’t always justify the cost - both in terms of assets and future salary commitments.
White’s current deal, a three-year, $36 million contract he signed in restricted free agency back in 2023, has turned out to be a bargain for Chicago. But he’s outplayed that number, and he’ll be looking for a raise. That’s where things get complicated for the Wolves, who are already tight against the cap and will have limited flexibility moving forward.
There’s also the question of what version of Coby White you’re getting. After missing the first 11 games of the season with a calf injury, White has played in 13 games and is averaging 21.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists - solid production, no doubt.
But he’s also shooting a career-low 31.9% from deep and turning the ball over at a career-high 3.1 times per game. That’s a mixed bag, and it raises questions about consistency - especially in a playoff environment where every possession counts.
Still, it’s easy to see the appeal. White is a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot, push the pace, and give a second unit some much-needed juice. For a Minnesota team that’s leaned heavily on its starters, adding someone like White could help lighten the load - whether that means bolstering the bench or reshuffling the rotation to bring someone like Donte DiVincenzo off the pine.
But again, making the money work is no small task. The Wolves likely aren’t moving off Conley, who remains a steady hand and a key locker room voice. And trading DiVincenzo - who’s been a valuable two-way presence - would feel like selling low, especially if White ends up being a short-term rental.
At the end of the day, this feels like one of those situations where interest is real, but the fit - financially and strategically - just isn’t quite there. White’s name will continue to pop up in trade talks, especially as the deadline approaches and teams get more aggressive. He’s too talented not to draw attention.
But for Minnesota? Unless something shifts - either in their cap sheet or Chicago’s asking price - it’s hard to see this one gaining serious traction.