Chicago Bulls Guard’s Return Opens Interesting Conversations
The Chicago Bulls got Coby White back in the lineup in their Sunday night game against the Utah Jazz. Although the Bulls lost 150-147 in an overtime thriller, the return of White should help the team for some time to come. His contract situation could end up shortening the amount of time he remains in Chicago, though.
In the final year of his contract, White’s return opens the door to conversations about the Chicago Bulls’ plans for him. A franchise that has always been reticent to go into the luxury tax could opt to trade White before he is due for a large extension. White will be a key contributor for the Chicago Bulls for now, but nothing is guaranteed as the year goes on.
Coby White Returns for the Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls got out to a terrific start to this season. They shocked fans with a quick 5-0 run before coming back down closer to expectations. Sitting at .500 right now, the Bulls are getting one of their biggest contributors back. Chicago is hoping that the return of Coby White can help them get back to where they were in the opening weeks of the year.
White has steadily gotten better since the Chicago Bulls selected him in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. Last year, White averaged 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game on 45/37/90 splits. White had to wait until last night to get his 2025-26 campaign started, but he’s hoping to continue his improvement in a crucial year for him.
White rejoins much of the same core he was with towards the end of last season. 6-5 without him, the Chicago Bulls are hoping the infusion of a lead guard can threaten opponents for months to come. As the trade deadline approaches though, White’s role with the franchise moving forward could become a major storyline.
Contract Situation Could Lead to Split
One of the players who has had to step up for the Chicago Bulls in Coby White’s absence is Josh Giddey. Giddey signed a four-year, $100M contract extension before the season started. With White in the last year of his deal, the decision to extend Giddey could be prohibitive to bringing back White if Chicago wants to stay out of the luxury tax.
White signed a three-year, $36M deal before the 2023-24 season. His next deal will be a lot more lucrative and if the Chicago Bulls aren’t in a position to sign White, moving him at this winter’s trade deadline could be their best option. Plenty of teams could use a player with White’s skill set and would be willing to give Chicago assets for him.
Pundits like Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe have been vocal about White’s place in deadline deals and what the Chicago Bulls could be in line to get back in a trade. Whether the Bulls decide that they want to bring in a hometown player like Anthony Davis or break White into younger assets, it’s increasingly likely that this year will be White’s last in Chicago.
