The longer the Chicago Bulls struggle, the clearer it becomes -- at least from the outside -- that trading Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, et al., and loading up on assets to start a rebuild is the only path to take.
And moving on from White would come with an added bonus: More playing time and a larger role for Ayo Dosunmu.
White is a more skilled offensive player. Regardless of what the percentages may say, he's a better shooter, a more advanced ball handler, and a more versatile playmaker. His trade value is higher than his backcourt mate, and he would likely yield Chicago a more significant return. Holding onto White and trading Dosunmu is arguably the better move.
But the Bulls would be better off with Dosunmu.
Trading Coby White would give Ayo Dosunmu a more prominent role
Last year, White flashed the potential become Chicago's go-to scorer. He averaged a career-high 20.4 points to go along with 5.2 assists, also a career high. He shot 45.3 percent from the field (a career high) and 37.0 percent from three on nearly eight attempts per game. His free-throw attempts per game (4.1) and free-throw shooting percentage (90.2) were also career bests.
After the Bulls traded Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings, White averaged 22.6 points and hit nearly three 3-pointers per game. He was named the NBA Player of the Month for March when he posted averages of 27.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 15 games.
But the 25-year-old missed this year's first 11 contests with a calf injury, and has missed 16 of the Bulls' 27 games this season. The Bulls are 7-9 without him and 5-6 with him. He's not making a significant impact.
Dosunmu, meanwhile, is having his best season. He's averaging 14.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists with shooting splits of 52/47/84. He's the Bulls' most dangerous attacker and finisher at the rim, but he can also spray passes to open shooters. Also 25 years old, he's quietly developed into one of the team's best offensive players.
Dosunmu is a better fit for the Bulls
What sets him apart from White, though, in addition to his efficiency, is his defense. He's a legitimate 3-and-D guard with a sturdy 6-foot-4 frame and strength at the point of attack. White is a minus defender, which calls into question his fit next to another poor defender in Josh Giddey. Dosunmu would give Chicago a more balanced lineup on both ends of the floor.
If the Bulls are going to become a playoff contender, they'll need second-year wing Matas Buzelis to play a massive role. As Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times points out, Buzelis has scored at least 20 points in five of the team's 16 games without White. With the former North Carolina star in the lineup, Buzelis has scored 20 or more exactly zero times.
What's more, White will be an unrestricted free agent after this season and is hoping to land a new contract in the range of $30 million annually. Dosunmu will hit the free agent market as well, but will surely come at a cheaper price.
White may be a better overall player, but Dosunmu is a more snug fit in the Windy City and makes more sense as a long-term piece for the Bulls to build around.