Chicago’s Guard Shakeup Could Mean Coby White Exits Before Thursday Deadline
The Chicago Bulls acquired guards Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. in a three-team trade Tuesday, bringing their aggressive deadline activity into sharper focus. The move, which sent Kevin Huerter to Detroit and involved the Minnesota Timberwolves, appears to confirm what league insiders have increasingly suggested: Coby White’s days in Chicago are numbered.
White, the longest-tenured Bull currently on an expiring contract, has been a frequent subject of trade speculation in recent weeks. The acquisition of Ivey—a young guard with upside and a restricted free agency status this summer—makes White the odd player out in Chicago’s crowded backcourt, according to league sources monitoring the situation ahead of Thursday’s 2 p.m. CT trade deadline.
Market Challenges for White
The 25-year-old combo guard has faced headwinds in the trade market despite respectable production this season. According to reports, the Bulls have struggled in early trade attempts to secure a first-round pick for White. His expiring contract, combined with an anticipated significant salary increase he is seeking in free agency, has made teams hesitant to commit assets.
White is averaging 18.5 points and 4.8 assists per game while shooting .439 from the field and .350 from three-point range. However, calf tightness has limited him to just 28 healthy appearances this season, creating uncertainty for potential suitors about his durability.
Ayo Dosunmu’s Stock Rising
The trade’s implications extend beyond White to his backcourt mate Ayo Dosunmu. The 26-year-old has emerged as Chicago’s more valuable trade asset, according to multiple league sources. Dosunmu has posted career-high numbers across the board, averaging 14.8 points while shooting an impressive 44.1 percent from three-point range.
Since January 1, Dosunmu has elevated his play significantly, averaging nearly 17 points per game on 54.5 percent shooting overall and 48.8 percent from beyond the arc. His two-way contributions and expected lower salary demands compared to White have made him increasingly attractive to contending teams, including reported suitors like the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets.
The Path Forward
Chicago’s front office faces a decision: keep both guards and hope to re-sign them, or move one or both before the deadline. With Josh Giddey already in place as a lead guard for the future, the Bulls have little financial incentive to retain both expiring contracts.
According to Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson, the Bulls are expected to remain active through Thursday. The team will generate an $18 million trade exception from the Ivey deal, providing flexibility for additional moves. If offers don’t materialize for White at Chicago’s asking price, the guard could remain with the team through the offseason, likely departing in free agency.
With nearly 30 games remaining in the regular season, White’s immediate future depends on whether contenders see his rental value as worth the risk, while Dosunmu’s breakout performance may ultimately seal his place in Chicago’s long-term plans.
