The Chicago Bulls are reportedly on the brink of trading Coby White, with the Minnesota Timberwolves frequently mentioned as a potential destination. The proposed trade is viewed as beneficial for both teams, particularly as Minnesota aspires to contend for the Western Conference title and seeks an upgrade in their backcourt alongside rising star Anthony Edwards.
At 38 years old, Mike Conley Jr. has not provided the solutions needed in Minnesota’s backcourt, while other players like Rob Dillingham are still developing and Bones Hyland lacks consistency. To truly complement Edwards, the team is looking for a player who can effectively share the floor with him and enhance their scoring options. Coby White fits this role perfectly.
White, a 25-year-old guard from North Carolina, has shown considerable promise this season, averaging 19.0 points with impressive shooting percentages – 45.7% from the field and 37.0% from beyond the arc on over seven attempts per game. His ability to draw fouls is notable, as he averages 5.0 free throws per game at an 80% success rate. After battling calf injuries earlier this season, White has returned to form, recently putting up 20.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over the past seven games.
Particularly valuable to Minnesota is White’s versatility as a combo guard. His skill set allows him to not only lead the offense when Edwards is off the floor but also to thrive alongside him, acting as both a scorer and facilitator. This makes him an attractive option for a Timberwolves team looking to deepen its roster.
For the Bulls, reports suggest that White may be one of the players most likely to be traded ahead of the February 5 deadline, especially given his status as an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The Bulls could maximize their return by taking advantage of the Timberwolves’ urgency. In a potential trade, Chicago could acquire two young guards in return, namely Rob Dillingham and Shannon Jr. Dillingham, selected as the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft, still has room to grow and prove himself, while Shannon Jr. has demonstrated solid scoring ability that could be developed further in a new environment. Additionally, Conley Jr.’s $10.7 million expiring contract would enable the financial aspects of the trade to align, even if he would likely be a buyout candidate immediately afterward.
This trade evaluation suggests a favorable outcome for the Bulls, earning a grade of B for the potential deal. The move not only positions Chicago to capitalize on White’s market value but also introduces a shift in their roster that could lead to significant long-term benefits.