Coby White, Chicago Bulls
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Coby White, Chicago Bulls
Coby White is entering the final year of his current contract with the Chicago Bulls. He will become an unrestricted free agent next season.
According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, speaking via a Bleacher Report live stream, White could be looking for a deal north of $30 million per year next summer.
“Coby White, from my understanding, is going to be eligible for more money as a free agent next year,” Fischer said. “The talk around the league has already been that Coby White will be seeking even north of $30 million average annual value.”
White’s rumored demands would likely put the Bulls in a tough spot. They recently signed Josh Giddey to a four-year $100 million deal. That would put them on the hook for nearly $50 million per season for their current backcourt. Making that decision could generate future issues for the Bulls as they look to develop a contending-level roster.
Nevertheless, White has earned a pay increase. He’s been the Bulls’ most consistent offensive player for the past two seasons. Teams around the NBA will undoubtedly be intrigued by his ability to create offense, both for himself and others.
Bulls Could Move on From Coby White
In a June 3 edition of his Hardwood Paroxysm newsletter, Matt Moore predicted that a new deal for Giddey could lead the Bulls to exploring White’s trade market during the 2025-26 season.
“This is outside speculative, but two different East personnel figures believe that the Bulls are unlikely to retain both Josh Giddey and Coby White,” Moore wrote. “If Giddey gets locked in, White could be moved. I’m skeptical of that idea because that sounds like a radical concept for the Bulls, and that doesn’t sound like them. Saving money sounds like them, but not like this.”
Given what White will reportedly look for on the free agent market, a trade may be the most logical move for the Bulls. After all, if they can’t see themselves paying him $30 million per year, trading him is better than letting him walk in the summer.
Bulls Urged to Trade White Before Trade Deadline
In an August 17 article, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes cited White as someone who could potentially gain interest later this season.
“Chicago probably should have dealt White at last year’s deadline, or even the one before,” Hughes wrote. “It was immediately evident that his bargain contract was going to be too small for a realistic extension, and that unrestricted free agency was nearly inevitable.”
Hughes continued.
“Acquiring teams will offer less now than they would have when White had more years of team control on his deal. But Chicago faces the possibility of losing him for nothing next summer, and it should therefore look to move him to the highest bidder by February.”
White averaged 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season, shooting 45.3% from the field and 37% from deep. He will undoubtedly have multiple interested suitors if he becomes available.
Nevertheless, the Bulls must make a decision on how much they would be willing to pay White on his next deal. Once they know that, they can make an informed decision on how to move forward, and whether that could involve a trade in the coming months.