1. Utah Jazz
Potentially the most realistic destination for Coby White on this entire list, the Utah Jazz would make a perfect match. Not only have they proven to be capable of making the most out of former Chicago Bulls seventh overall picks, but are one of the only teams that’s built to win now while simultaneously accumulating young assets in the midst of their rebuild.
Holding a very solid record of 31-32 entering the All-Star Break, the Jazz made the wise decision to bottom out and better their odds in the lottery, while still proving they’re capable of doing big things if their young players get a bit more experience under their legs.
Clearly better than any other tanking team at the moment, the Jazz also have much more cap space than any other contender-level team. Utah has $41 million freed up to spend this summer which should have them in the running for several quality free agents, even if Jordan Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Rudy Gay could bite into that number by opting into their player options for 2023-24.
Much like former Bulls prospect Lauri Markkanen, Coby White could blossom if he signs with the Utah Jazz.
If Clarkson decides to test free agency and leaves the Jazz, there’s a clear hole for a player like White to come in and immediately replace. But even if Clarkson opts to stay, I’m not so sure that he’d be able to best White for the starting gig in training camp either way. Clarkson is a born natural sixth-man scoring machine, so adding a more well-rounded player like Coby to the starting lineup could be mutually beneficial for everyone involved.
With a rotation of Clarkson, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, and former Bulls prospect Kris Dunn, the Jazz have inarguably the NBA’s weakest backcourt. Bolstering the depth chart at both guard positions has to be a top priority for Utah this summer, and Coby could be one of the most attainable options on the market if they’re willing to offer a hefty sum that makes the Bulls hesitant to match.
Unfortunately for the Bulls, Coby is young, can play both sides of the ball effectively, and has proven to be a genuine NBA talent. No matter which way we look at it, there was always going to be a market for his services this summer. But after a strong finish to the 2022-23 campaign, the Bulls may have quite the fight on their hands if they wish to keep Coby in the Windy City for years to come.