The Chicago Bulls continued to be mentioned among the teams that could make a trade ahead of the February trade deadline. Whenever a big name is mentioned as a potential trade chip, the Bulls become instant contenders to land them.
So far, nothing has materialized, with Anthony Davis staying in Dallas, while Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo put his trade rumors to rest. They were also mentioned among Trae Young's potential sweepstakes, but as we know now, the Washington Wizards pulled the trigger for the four-time All-Star.
While Young's arrival in Washington ruined the Bulls' chances to trade for him (at least until the offseason), the move could start a domino effect that could still prompt the six-time champions to part ways with one of their best players.
Young going to Washington could unlock a White trade
With Young officially out, the Atlanta Hawks (18-21) still have a solid core to compete for a playoff spot. They rank ninth in the Eastern Conference standings, still in the race for the play-in tournament. Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Onyeka Okongwu remain on the roster, and their roles should increase now that Young won't share the floor with them.
Elias Schuster of SI sees Coby White as a proper replacement for Young. Schuster notes that White's speed and efficient spacing suit well with the Hawks' offense. A partnership with Jalen Johnson can elevate the Hawks' level on offense.
White isn't the strongest defender of all, but Daniels and Alexander-Walker can make it up for his flaws on the less glamorous side of the ball. The North Carolina product has played 17 games this season, averaging 18.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, shooting 44.0 percent from the field.
Western Conference contenders, the Minnesota Timberwolves, have emerged as a potential landing spot for White, but that appears to be more of an offseason move. In any case, the Bulls still have a decision to make regarding White's future.
They have made it clear that there are players they aren't willing to part ways with, but they could make moves to position themselves to compete in the mid-term. Schuster notes that former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharier Risacher could be included in a Coby White trade, which would help guard Josh Giddey, and give Risacher the chance of revitalizing his career as the Australian guard did.