The Chicago Bulls have consistently dismissed trade offers involving guard Coby White, even as speculation intensifies about his future with the team. White, who is eligible for a contract extension this summer, currently plays under a three-year, $36 million deal that is highly favorable to the Bulls. Despite his improving performance and market value, the team has shown no indication of engaging seriously with trade inquiries.
White’s contract situation is at the heart of the debate. His existing deal severely undervalues him compared to his potential market worth, with a maximum extension offer beginning at 140 percent of his current salary, far below what other teams might pay. This reality suggests White will enter the 2025-26 season as an expiring contract, making 2026 free agency a pivotal moment. The Bulls face the risk of losing a valuable player without compensation, which typically motivates teams to explore trade opportunities proactively.
Financial and Strategic Challenges in Retaining White
Complicating the Bulls’ decision-making is White’s projected salary in free agency, which could exceed $30 million annually. Adding this to the likely salary for Josh Giddey, another promising backcourt player, would push the Bulls’ annual spending on guards beyond $50 million. This raises questions about whether the current roster configuration justifies such an investment, especially considering the team has yet to achieve significant playoff success with White and Giddey leading the way.
Despite the financial implications, the Bulls’ front office, led by executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas, has maintained a clear stance. According to a report from Dallas Hoops Journal quoting an <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA executive, multiple teams have attempted trades for White this summer, including near activity on draft night, but the Bulls have rejected all inquiries.
“I know multiple teams tried to trade for Coby this summer,”
the executive said.
“There was some chatter that he was almost traded on draft night. The Bulls love him, though. He’s not going anywhere. They have shot down trade inquiries for him.”
—NBA Executive
The Internal Perspective: Bulls’ Commitment to Keeping White
Earlier in the offseason, Keith Smith of Spotrac cited an anonymous member of the Chicago Bulls organization who reinforced that the team is keen on retaining White long term. While such statements might be expected public posturing, they align with the Bulls’ broader approach to the situation. Publicly declaring a willingness to trade White would weaken the Bulls’ leverage and potentially lower his market value, a risk the organization appears unwilling to take at this point.
The unwavering public stance contrasts with the outside observation that the Bulls have not engaged seriously with interested rivals. However, some analysts argue being fully closed off to trade discussions may be shortsighted, especially as White has showcased significant development, including convincing flashes of All-Star level scoring. Given his attractiveness to multiple teams, the Bulls theoretically stand to enhance his trade value through active negotiations.
Balancing Player Value with Team Performance and Future Decisions
The Bulls’ recent playoff track record—for instance, three consecutive Play-In Tournament losses and only one postseason series victory since 2016-17—adds pressure to the decision regarding White’s place on the roster. The team’s need to evolve and compete at a higher level suggests considering all strategic options, including potential trades, is prudent.
It is possible the Bulls’ refusal to entertain trade offers publicly is a temporary measure, part of a broader negotiation strategy set to shift once the regular season begins. White’s value is unlikely to appreciate significantly once he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026, especially since most teams prefer a full season of his contribution over just a partial one.
While the Bulls are under no obligation to trade White, the consensus among commentators points to the importance of at least being open to offers. This approach could prevent the front office from repeating mistakes of the past tied to asset mismanagement and inflexibility. As the season progresses, tough decisions about White’s future and the team’s overall roster construction appear inevitable.