Last week, we gave rationale as to why the Chicago Bulls should at least explore the possibility of trading Coby White. Today, we want to take a look at what might a Coby White trade might look like.
Much has been made this offseason that the Bulls have held on to their assets too long. Coby White's value could quite possibily be at its highest point between now and this season's trade deadline. A White trade would be proactive move if the Bulls are in fact in a rebuild mode.
What should the Chicago Bulls expect in a trade for Coby White?
White is 23 years old and will make $12-13 million for the next two seasons. He was the runner-up for most improved player this year after averaging 19 points per game on 38 percent from 3-point range. He has shown the ability to play point and play the off guard, while being a durable contributer by playing 153 games the last two seasons.
Most fans would not expect the Bulls to be able to pull off a Mikal Bridges trade package, but if you look more closely at the numbers you will see eirely similar offensive metrics.
Coby White
79 G - .447 FG% - 7.0 3PA - .376 3P% - 3.3 FTA
.838 FT% - 4.5 REB - 5.1 AST - .7 STL - 19.1 PTS
Mikal Bridges
82 G - .436 FG% - 7.2 3PA - .372 3P% 3.9 FTA
.814 FT% - 4.5 REB - 3.6 AST - 1.0 STL - 19.6 PTS
White is not an All-NBA defender, but he's younger and on a team-friendly contract. At a minimum, the Bulls should require two unprotected or lightly protected first round picks. If the Bulls were to take back a contract that it is not expiring, then more draft capital or young talent should be included.
Here are three realistic possibilities for the Bulls.
Bulls trade Coby White to the Warriors
Golden State Warriors Receive:
Coby White ($24.9 Million / 2 Years)
Torrey Craig ($2.8 Million/ 1 Years)
Chicago Bulls Receive:
Moses Moody ($5.8 Million/ 1 Year, then restricted free agent)
Gary Payton II ($9.1 Million/ 1 Year)
2025 1st Round Pick
2026 2nd Round Pick
2027 1st Round pick
It is widely known that the Warriors are trying to acquire more talent. They struck out on Paul George and rumors are swirling that former Bull, Lauri Markkanen is their next target. With the end of the Splash Brothers, White could be another combo guard to slide into the rotation to support Curry.
The West is a conference of big men, the Warriors appear to be taking the alternative route with quickness and great shooting. They understand this might be their best chance to prevail in the playoffs and give Steph one last chance at another ring. This is why the Warriors need to consider White. He is considerably better than the free agent pickups of Buddy Hield and De'Anthony Melton and considerably cheaper than a Lauri Markkanen deal.
When needed, he can play on the ball to relieve some pressure from Curry, but also can slot in next to him or point forward Draymond and be a catch-and-shoot threat. Also, they keep the other key pieces in tact.
The Bulls get additional draft capital and Moses Moody, a player that has upside. The Warriors get to keep Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, two players they have been reluctant to trade.
Coby White to the Lakers
The Chicago Bulls Receive:
Gabe Vincent ($22.5 Million / 2 Years)
2025 2nd Round Pick
2026 1st Round Pick
2028 1st Round Pick Swap
2031 1st Round Pick
The Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
Coby White (24.9 Million/ 2 Years)
The Lakers salary cap situation is challenging. Even with LeBron offering to take a pay cut for talent this offseason, they still were unable to upgrade their roster. White’s versatility gives them another playmaker in closing time, but also someone who can play with their other stars. This move also allows them to be more aggressive in making a secondary move with D'Angelo Russell.
This might not be the Hollywood pick the Lakers hope, but it does improve their roster in the ultra competitive West. The Lakers were able to win 47 games last year if White can help them win 3-5 more, the Lakers might be hosting a first round playoff game.
Gabe Vincent is a filler and coming off an injury riddled year. The Lakers' future picks could be very valuable when LeBron decides to end his remarkable career.
A 3-team swap with Milwaukee and Miami
The Bulls could pivot in terms of trying to acquire draft capital for White and package him to try to offload one of their less appealing contracts. This final scenario addresses the needs of three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Chicago Bulls Receive:
Duncan Robinson ($19.4/ 1 Year w/ Early Termination Option)
Josh Richardson ($3 Million / 1 year)
Jamie Jacquez ($13.4 Million/ 3 year)
2026 2nd Round Pick from Miami
2029 1st Round Pick Swap from Miami
Miami Heat Receive:
Khris Middleton ($65.6/ 2 Years)
Milwaukee Bucks Receive:
Coby White ($12.9 million/ 2 years)
Nikola Vucevic ($41.4 million/ 2 years)
The package for the Chicago Bulls might seem light, but you are able to create $16 million in cap space for the 2025-26 season with trading Vooch for the expiring contracts of Robinson and Richardson. Jacquez is a valuable young player with three years of control and the 1st round pick swap with Miami could be a significant piece too.
The Bucks would have to move on from Middleton, who has been a franchise favorite. His personality and style are ideal fits for Heat culture, but with the recent reports of his ankle surgeries, this might be a risky proposition. The Bucks are in win now mode with Giannis and Dame. They need a reliability, something Middleton can no longer offer. White would be a nice fit along Dame and Giannis and Vooch could give them a veteran big to give them more front court depth.
In all three scenarios, the Bulls would better position themselves for the future. Right now, the direction of the Bulls appears still to be unclear. Matus Buzelis summer league and Josh Giddey's early olympic performance might give Arturas Karnisovas hope for the upcoming season. Probably to a fault, Karnisovas mission is to build the most competitive team. Something that might suggest, he might not be willing to go into a full rebuild. If they do, then trading Coby White should be strongly considered.