The Chicago Bulls are off to their best start since the 1996 championship season, and they’ve done it without last year’s leading scorer, Coby White. While injuries are never ideal, White’s absence has revealed something fans have been questioning: Ayo Dosunmu looks ready to take over as Chicago’s lead two-guard.
If Dosunmu’s early-season play has shown us anything, it’s that the Bulls’ front office should start seriously considering trading Coby White out of Chicago's crowded backcourt.
Ayo Dosunmu more than a role player for Bulls
In his first five NBA seasons, Dosunmu has shown the steady, year-to-year growth that all fans dream of seeing out of their second-round draft pick. After raising his scoring average by nearly four points between his second and third seasons, he looks poised for a similar leap this year.
Through his first five games, Dosunmu is averaging 16.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, while shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from three, both career highs.
Beyond the box score, his +19 plus-minus ranks third on the team, trailing only Josh Giddey and Kevin Huerter. Dosunmu has transformed from a depth piece to a legitimate starting guard right before our eyes.
But here’s where things start to get interesting: If Ayo continues to perform at this level and Chicago keeps winning, conversations about a White trade will go from "if" to "when". And this isn’t a knock on White; he is one of, if not the best, players on the roster. It's more about the current makeup of the roster and future financial flexibility.
The Bulls already have four rotation-worthy guards without him, and with White entering unrestricted free agency after this season, the timing might be right to move on.
Perfect timing creating an easy decision on Coby White
From a business standpoint, the timing couldn’t be better. White is now in the final year of his contract, making him an attractive trade piece for contenders looking to add a scoring threat or for teams hoping to lock up a young guard for the future. Waiting too long could be risky, as reports suggest White is demanding $30-plus million annually on his next deal.
This would be an expensive commitment for a team that just handed another guard in Giddey a $25 million annual deal.
Trading White before the 2026 trade deadline would maximize his value (assuming he returns from injury with similar production to last year) and allow the Bulls to add assets to continue building around their young core.
With Giddey and Matas Buzelis locked in as long-term starters at point guard and power forward, respectively, Dosunmu’s breakout gives Chicago a potential answer at shooting guard.
Now, the Bulls simply need to identify their long-term answers at small forward and center to round out what’s suddenly looking like an extremely promising young core.
A clearer future for Chicago
Dosunmu’s breakout has given the Bulls clarity for the future and leverage in trade discussions. If the Bulls do decide to move on from White, then they will set themselves up even better for the future. If not, then Chicago would add to what seemingly looks like one of the best backcourts in the Eastern Conference.
For the first time in years, Chicago’s future feels positive. Now, it's the front office's responsibility to be bold enough to maximize it.