The Chicago Bulls won't be in the Ja Morant trade game (or so you'd assume). The Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly agree.
But the two franchises could reach a different agreement -- one that would see Minnesota trade for Bulls guard Coby White.
The Memphis Grizzlies are ready to move on from their 26-year-old former franchise centerpiece, but they're having trouble finding a suitor willing to give up what they consider to be fair value. (The Grizzlies have a far more appealing 26-year-old on their roster, should they decide to make him available.)
The Timberwolves are in the market for a guard to help carry their backcourt, as Mike Conley continues to perform, understandably, like a 38-year-old. Meanwhile, last year's eighth overall pick, Rob Dillingham, is performing like a 21-year-old who's not ready to lead an NBA team.
White would split the difference for a franchise hoping to win a championship this year. And it would be in Chicago's best interest to move White while it can still acquire a few assets geared toward the future.
Minnesota Timberwolves are a logical landing spot for Bulls' Coby White
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported via The Stein Line Substack (subscription required) that Minnesota is "routinely mentioned as a suitor for Morant" along with the Sacramento Kings and Miami Heat. He also mentioned that the Timberwolves aren't in the market for a "high-salaried playmaker."
Minnesota would, however, be interested in a player who could improve its guard rotation at a more modest wage. White is making $12.9 million this season and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. There aren't many impactful options available at that sort of price.
The Wolves have been linked to White for more than a month. A trade between Minnesota and Chicago makes sense -- one franchise needs an upgrade at guard, while the other needs an upgrade in the asset cupboard.
Chicago could get some realistic value for White
The Timberwolves are reportedly willing to move Dillingham, a 21-year-old with an electric first step and elite ball-handling skills. During his lone season at Kentucky, Dillingham showed the ability to score at all three levels. He would fit Chicago's identity as a fast-paced, open-court team.
Unlike Minnesota, the Bulls could afford to be patient with Dillingham, especially if they keep Tre Jones and/or re-sign Ayo Dosunmu. The Hickory, North Carolina native needs work as a playmaker; his skills more closely resemble a combo guard than a true floor general.
Dillingham was 164 pounds entering the draft and defense isn't his strong suit, but hey, the Bulls have plenty of experience with that. Toss in a future first-round pick or a few second-round selections, and Chicago could turn a player who may leave for nothing into a 21-year-old former top-10 pick and a bit of draft capital to boot.
And if Morant is off the table for Minnesota, White would be an ideal Plan B.