Chicago Bulls contemplating trading Coby White before deadline

Try as he may, Coby White just can’t seem to keep his name out of trade rumors. The Chicago Bulls have floated White’s name in potential trade packages over the last few years, but nothing has ever come to fruition. This time, the speculation is beginning to feel much more substantiated and like a real possibility than it has in years past.

As a fourth-year rookie, Coby is staring down the face of a potentially large payday and will enter restricted free agency at the end of the season. However, if he wants the big bucks in his next deal, he’ll need to start playing like he actually deserves them first.

Michael Scotto from HoopsHype suggests White is on the trade block in his recent restricted free agent report, seen below.

"“Coby White’s role and production have declined for the third straight season thus far, and according to rival executives, he’s a trade candidate for the Bulls looking ahead before the deadline.”"

A potential Coby White trade poses a few interesting possibilities for the Chicago Bulls.

A wealth of backcourt talent has allowed Chicago the flexibility to explore the market for a struggling former top draft pick. Zach LaVine, Ayo Dosunmu, Alex Caruso, Goran Dragic, and a finally healthy Lonzo Ball compromise a talented backcourt rotation that can hang with the best of them. It’s no wonder that a one-dimensional player like Coby is often considered little more than a luxury on offense

Given more opportunity, there’s no telling just what kind of player White may become. One thing’s for certain, however, and that is that he can’t reach his maximum potential while buried behind LaVine and a whole host of quality role players.

Fortunately for the Bulls, Scotto’s report mentions a few other teams that have had contract extension talks stall out as well. Players like Phoenix’s Cameron Johnson or Charlotte’s P.J. Washington would be excellent fits in Chicago and would make for ideal trade targets, should their respective teams decide they wish to go their separate ways.

Even if the Bulls can’t land one of the aforementioned players, there should still be a fair amount of suitors at play here. Teams like the Lakers, Knicks, and Clippers could really use a sharpshooter with genuine ball-handling skills like Coby. Whatever route the Bulls decide to take, at least they can say they’ve been patient with White throughout the whole process.

For that reason, I’m confident that the Chicago Bulls’ front office could find a good package should they decide to trade Coby. Hopefully, the parties interested in his services become a bit more clear as we draw closer to the NBA trade deadline.