Among the pivotal questions the Chicago Bulls face ahead of a potentially tumultuous offseason, one stands out. What will happen with Coby White? The 25-year-old guard’s unrestricted free agency looms after he put a contract extension on hold, a decision that makes plenty of sense.
Bulls face uncertainty with Coby White
Entering the final year of his three-year, $36 million contract, White could only secure a maximum four-year extension worth $89 million. That per-year value is just above the non-tax midlevel exception, which was light for a player coming off his best professional campaign in 2024–25.
Nonetheless, things have changed since the offseason. White undoubtedly still covets a hefty extension, but Chicago faces a bigger dilemma. The seventh-year guard’s production has dipped this season, and nagging injuries have derailed his expected All-Star leap as the de facto No. 1 option.
Now comes the question: will the Bulls try to trade White before his contract extension, or let him test unrestricted free agency? Either way, the team has options, most notably through the upcoming draft, which could provide a potential successor to the point guard.
Labaron Philon could be Bulls’ next point guard
In Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, the outlet projects the Bulls to select Alabama point guard Labaron Philon with the 13th overall pick. NBA Draft expert Jonathan Wasserman notes, “While Kingston Flemings has become the hottest name among point guard prospects, there are scouts who have moved Labaron Philon to No. 2 in their ball-handler rankings.”
Philon has long been on scouts’ radar, dating back to the previous draft cycle. He declared for the 2025 draft and fully engaged in the pre-draft process, keeping his name in consideration until the final moments before ultimately opting to return to Alabama.
Philon’s decision to return has paid off. A year ago, the 19-year-old sophomore was considered a second-round prospect, ranked in the 40s after averaging 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game as a freshman. Since returning to Tuscaloosa, Philon has improved dramatically, notching 22.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while posting an efficient 53.4 percent from the field and 38.0 percent from three-point range.
Philon’s skill set and fit in Chicago
From second-round flier to projected lottery pick, Philon’s draft status hasn’t just changed; he’s now considered an instant-impact talent, exactly what the Bulls need at point guard with White’s future in flux.
In his mock draft, Wasserman compared Philon to Mike Conley Jr., though there’s a bit of Coby White in his game as well. While slightly shorter than White, Philon measured 6-foot-3 at the NBA Combine, he makes up for it with a 6-foot-6 wingspan. While neither player is a jaw-dropping athlete, Philon is a quick-twitch guard with exceptional change-of-pace ability that allows him to attack defenses in ways similar to White.
Philon isn’t afraid to let it fly from deep, and his step-back game is reminiscent of Coby White. He’s often more comfortable shooting off the dribble than off the catch, though he remains just as deadly in spot-up situations. His offensive bag is deep.
For a Bulls team facing offseason roster uncertainty, Philon’s offensive skill set aligns closely with the team’s philosophy. He offers the kind of dynamic playmaking that could help Chicago maintain continuity while upgrading its backcourt for the future.
With White’s future up in the air, the Bulls face a pivotal offseason decision. Philon offers a dynamic skill set that would step in immediately if White departs, giving Chicago a path forward while leaving open the possibility of continuity should White return. In a backcourt clouded by uncertainty, Philon represents both insurance and upside.