With the NBA trade deadline just two days out, the Chicago Bulls are far from finished reshaping their roster. After pulling off a pair of significant trades, the front office is keeping its foot on the gas - and now, all eyes are on guard Coby White and Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl as potential pieces in the next phase of Chicago’s midseason makeover.
The Bulls kicked off their roster retooling on Tuesday, orchestrating a three-team deal with the Pistons and Timberwolves that brought in Jaden Ivey and veteran point guard Mike Conley, while sending out Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric. That move came on the heels of another multi-team trade over the weekend involving Saric, the Cavaliers, and the Kings - a clear signal that Chicago is serious about shaking things up.
But they weren’t done. Later that same day, the Bulls dealt veteran center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics, landing explosive guard Anfernee Simons and a second-rounder in return. With those moves complete, league chatter has increasingly turned to what’s next - and Coby White’s name keeps surfacing in those conversations.
White, 25, has been one of the Bulls’ most consistent contributors this season. He’s averaging 18.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, shooting 43.9% from the field and 35% from deep.
He’s started 25 of his 28 appearances and logged nearly 30 minutes a night - a clear indicator of the trust he’s earned from the coaching staff. But with Chicago now leaning into a roster overhaul, White’s combination of age, production, and contract flexibility makes him a valuable trade chip.
He’s in the final year of a three-year, $36 million deal, earning $12.8 million this season before hitting free agency this summer. That kind of expiring deal - especially attached to a player producing at his level - tends to draw interest from contenders and rebuilding teams alike.
Enter Jakob Poeltl, a name that’s come up more frequently in Bulls-related trade talks. The 30-year-old big man has been sidelined since December 21 due to back issues, but he’s recently been cleared for contact. When healthy, Poeltl is a highly efficient interior presence, averaging 9.7 points, 7.7 boards, and 2.1 assists per game this season while shooting a career-best 69.3% from the field.
Poeltl’s contract situation is notable - he signed a three-year, $84 million extension last summer that kicks in starting with the 2027-28 season. For now, he’s earning $19.5 million this year and next, a figure that could complicate trade mechanics but also reflects his value as a starting-caliber center.
There’s also a layer of complexity in the broader trade landscape. Toronto has reportedly explored the idea of acquiring Domantas Sabonis, which could set off a chain reaction that sends Poeltl to Chicago - potentially with Coby White involved in that package and draft compensation changing hands.
2/3/26 — Jackson Jr. traded? James Harden next? Latest NBA intel w/ @TomerAzarly & @BrettSiegelNBA https://t.co/Jezmx8DgP4
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 3, 2026
With the deadline looming on Thursday, the Bulls are clearly operating with urgency and flexibility. They’ve already made bold moves, and the next 48 hours could be just as active. Whether it’s White, Poeltl, or another surprise name, Chicago is a team to watch as the trade winds pick up speed.