The Chicago Bulls are actively exploring ways to add youthful, dynamic talent to accelerate their rebuilding process. Central to these efforts is a Coby White trade proposal to Chicago Bulls, which aims to bring in Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga through a sign-and-trade deal, boosting the team’s long-term potential.
Jonathan Kuminga, a promising 22-year-old forward, has recently been connected with a possible move to Chicago. Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report outlined a trade scenario on May 25 that would send Kuminga to the Bulls in exchange for Coby White. White, a key contributor for the Bulls in recent seasons, would switch teams as part of this strategy to revamp Chicago’s roster.
Details of the Proposed Trade Between Bulls and Warriors
The proposed deal would have the Bulls receive Jonathan Kuminga, while the Golden State Warriors would acquire Coby White. This move requires a sign-and-trade arrangement given contractual restrictions. The theory behind the swap is to secure Kuminga’s untapped potential, offsetting the loss of White, who carries an expiring $12.8 million salary for the 2025-26 season.
If the Bulls take a chance on Kuminga, who’s still just 22, the Warriors should ask for Coby White,
Hughes wrote.
His expiring $12.8 million salary in 2025-26 isn’t large enough to make an extension realistic in Chicago, and his scoring and shot-creation would address Golden State’s most critical weakness.
—Grant Hughes, Bleacher Report
Hughes further explained that White has demonstrated fringe All-Star performance levels over the past two years. There is speculation the Warriors might also require a draft pick as part of the trade, or possibly include some draft capital going back to Chicago, but for now, it is considered a straightforward one-for-one exchange.
Josh Giddey’s Contract Extension Could Impact Bulls’ Financial Plans
Alongside acquiring new talent, Bulls executive Arturas Karnisovas faces the challenge of securing a contract extension for guard Josh Giddey, who is expected to command a significant salary. Michael Scotto of HoppsHype reports Giddey could be worth around $150 million over five years, a figure that would heavily influence the Bulls’ salary cap and roster decisions.
The belief around the league is Bulls restricted free agent guard Josh Giddey hopes to command a similar five-year, $150 million deal to Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs and earn roughly $30 million annually or more,
Scotto reported. —Michael Scotto, HoppsHype
Giddey’s importance to the Bulls’ future cannot be overstated, as he has emerged as a foundational player. Ensuring his long-term presence will likely require Chicago to meet or exceed market expectations, a potentially costly commitment during a critical rebuilding phase.
Possible Strategy: Letting Giddey Test Free Agency Before Matching Offers
Joe Cowley from the Chicago Sun-Times suggests the Bulls might allow Giddey to explore the free agency market before presenting a contract extension. Since Giddey is a restricted free agent, Chicago can match any external offer, controlling his retention while potentially gaining leverage in negotiations.
The Bulls can let Giddey go to market where there are limited suitors, see what the market bids on him, and then have the right to match it,
Cowley wrote.
Basically, what they should have done with Patrick Williams and didn’t.
—Joe Cowley, Chicago Sun-Times
This approach carries risks but also offers flexibility, allowing the Bulls to manage salary commitments carefully while retaining vital young talent. Meanwhile, integrating Kuminga alongside Giddey could form a powerful core to lead Chicago’s resurgence in the coming years.
Balancing Roster Decisions Amid Uncertain Offseason Moves
Although trading away Coby White would be a difficult decision, the chance to add Kuminga’s explosive potential may make it worthwhile. White has been among the Bulls’ top performers, but Kuminga’s upside provides a window of opportunity to build a competitive, youthful lineup capable of sustained success.
If the Bulls can re-sign Josh Giddey and secure Jonathan Kuminga, the offseason would mark a significant step forward in their rebuild. Managing finances, contract negotiations, and player development will remain delicate challenges as Chicago attempts to construct a promising future.