NBA Insider Marc Stein wrote about the Chicago Bulls this week, and he detailed where the organization is at when it comes to their view of Coby White's future with the team. According to Stein, Chicago has shown increased willingness to listen to offers for their high-scoring guard.
The insider makes it clear that the front office has not made a hard commitment to dealing White, but says that their openness to hear out potential deals does represent a change from what had been the organization's previous mindset. While plenty of fans in Chicago would be sad to see Coby go, it may just be for the best as it pertains to this group's future direction.
After a strong start to the season, Chicago has wound up stuck in the middle once again. Coby White has been a bright spot, but he's not performing well enough consistently enough to lift this team to wins on his own. And ultimately, his timeline may not line up with what the Bulls actually need to do next.
White has proven he can be a high-level offensive guard, but he's also approaching the point in his career where decisions need to be made about role, contract value, and long-term fit. Chicago already has multiple guards needing touches and developmental reps, and the roster construction has felt crowded without being truly complementary.
The Bulls are open to moving on from Coby White
From the Bulls’ perspective, this is about acknowledging the reality of your situation. Chicago needs flexibility and future assets. White’s value around the league is likely close to as strong as it's ever been, especially given his age and play style. If the front office waits too long, they risk missing the optimal window to extract real value.
There's also the financial component. Committing significant long-term money to White would create further problems relative to other guys who are going to be expecting a payday in the near future. With this team seemingly still being a ways away from true contention, White seems like the most obvious candidate to be moved.
For fans, this is a somewhat difficult pill to swallow. Coby White has grown organically within the organization and has become an example of internal development actually paying off. But that ultimately can't become a stumbling block if a good deal is on the table.
If the Bulls do decide to move White, it won't be because he failed as a professional basketball player. It will be because this team is slowly beginning to wake up to the reality that they have to become more aggressive if they're to get out of the perpetual miserable middle of the NBA.