With logjam at the guard position, Coby White could be on the move
The Chicago Bulls had a relatively quiet, yet effective offseason. They resigned superstar Zach LaVine to a 5 year, 215.2 million dollar deal, prioritizing the young guard early in FA. In addition to LaVine, Chicago also brought back Derrick Jones Jr. on a two-year deal, while adding veterans like Andre Drummond and Goran Dragić as well. Depth and Zach’s contract were at the center of attention for GM Marc Eversley, and he made it clear with these solid acquisitions. With Lonzo Ball, Ayo Dosunmu, Alex Caruso, and newly signed Dragić, this leaves out one other young guard.
Coby White.
When White was drafted in 7th overall in 2019, the upside was enormous. He had just come off a fantastic year at North Carolina, averaging 16 and 4, all while leading the Heels to the Sweet Sixteen. However during his time here in the Windy City, he’s been just a little better than average. He shot better percentages from the field last year than in prior, but his points per game and games played both took a decline.
White has failed to play in at least 70 games during any of his three NBA seasons, causing a little concern for a potential extension he is eligible for in 2023. In this article we will examine a few trade ideas that could benefit Chicago this season, as they might try to get any sort of value from White before his potential departure next year.
1. Spurs continue rebuild, Chicago welcomes a former friend back
Bulls get: Doug McDermott, 2 future 2nd round picks
Spurs get: Coby White, Tony Bradley, Javonte Green
Before the Drummond signing, I was a big fan of swapping Coby White for Jakob Poeltl. With that out of the window, Doug McDermott is a name that intrigues me. The departure of stud PG Dejounte Murray was something not lots of NBA fans saw coming, and with that the Spurs could be looking for a new floor general. White offers a lot for a young rebuilding team, as he could get a bulk of the touches on offense.
White provides youth and a one year prove it deal to a rebuilding team, who could be looking to offload guys on big contracts like McDermott. The shooting Doug provides could help the Bulls space the floor even more. This helps Chicago and San Antonio in different ways, but it could hurt the Dalen Terry minuets we’re all looking forward to seeing next year. I see this as a last minute deal, to try and get any value out of White at the deadline.
2. Bulls help another rebuilding team, acquire Jarred Vanderbilt
Bulls get: Rudy Gay, Jarred Vanderbilt, future 2nd round pick
Jazz get: Coby White, Tony Bradley
The Timberwolves shocked the NBA world when they gave up five, yes five, future first round picks for Rudy Gobert just a few weeks ago. Utah seemed to get away with highway robbery, as now it’s reported that Donovan Mitchell could also be shipped out soon. Vanderbilt won’t be trade eligible for a few months, but he could be a perfect target for Chicago. He provides some more rim protection for a team who so desperately needs it, all while being young and on a very good contract. The long and lanky Forward/Center would add another security blanked for this improved front court. Pat Williams also gets a great backup, which will only help his development.
With Utah making everyone available, this could be a great move for the Bulls moving forward, while also getting veteran Rudy Gay. You can never have enough vets on a young team contending for a high playoff spot, especially one like Gay who can shoot and rebound even at 35 years of age. This trade gives the Jazz another young guard to either pair with Mitchell, or take over the reigns as top ball handler. I expect Mike Conley to in the mix for a possible buyout or trade as well.
3. Bulls strengthen front court, Wolves find needed depth
Bulls get: Jaden McDaniels, Jordan McLaughlin
Timberwolves get: Coby White, future 2nd round pick
It’s no secret that Minnesota is all in. After the recent move to get Gobert from Utah, it leaves them with little to no guard depth after the departures of Malik Beasley and Patrick Beverley. This move allows Coby to compete for a starting job, especially after D’Angelo Russell struggled last year. Getting rid of McDaniels would sting but in order to seriously compete now, they will have to get a few more guards.
As for Chicago, McDaniels could provide an immediate impact to a new and improved bench. The former Washington Husky turns just 22 in September and will enter his 3rd year in the league. He improved in almost every major statistic last year, and is also on an extremely team friendly deal. This would be a perfect low-risk, high reward move for the Bulls if they decided to possibly go this route. It would likely be hard to pry Jaden from Minnesota, but if they enter the season without some more guard depth he could be on the block
4. KJ Martin finds new home, Coby White joins stacked backcourt
Bulls get: Kenyon Martin Jr, David Nwaba
Rockets get: Coby White, Javonte Green
It has been reported from multiple sources that forward Kenyon Martin Jr. could be possibly on his way out of Houston. The Rockets drafted Auburn’s Jabari Smith and LSU’s Tari Eason in this years draft, bulking up the front court immensely, making it hard to keep KJ on the team. Getting Martin and Nwaba would be maximizing the Coby White trade value, making the bench pretty solid. Martin provides spacing and highlight play ability, and being so young is a plus.
Adding White to an already impressive group of guards would be a big step it the rebuild. He could challenge Kevin Porter Jr for the starting job, and could possibly mentor young Jalen Green. Houston has never been shy when it comes to moving around its roster, so this is a deal I could see happening before the season even begins. Can you imagine the dunks Derrick Jones and KJ would showcase at the United Center?
5. Pacers grab another young guard, send Brissett to the Chi
Bulls get: Oshae Brissett, 2023 2nd round pick
Pacers get: Coby White
Do I think Coby White garners more trade interest and value than Oshae Brissett? Yes. However that is not how the NBA works. Teams make questionable trades all the time. I do think Brissett could bring a lot to Chicago, but adding next years second is the value here. It’s likely to be a high 2nd round pick if the Pacers don’t exceed expectations. White and Tyrese Haliburton could form a nice little backcourt duo, and they could continue to focus on moving Myles Turner and Buddy Hield without hesitation.
Oshae Brissett went to work for the @pacers! The #GLeagueAlum put up 9.1 points and 5.3 boards with seven 20+ point games this year. 💪
Enjoy 3️⃣ minutes of his best plays from the 2021-22 season. pic.twitter.com/l6TnAip3BL
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 7, 2022
Brissett is a sleeper. The Canadian forward has averaged just over 8 points per game in his career, but is one of the harder workers in the league. From starting out in the G League, to becoming one of the best role players in Indiana, Brissett has carved out a decent career for himself. He could add a lot of grit and grind to this Bulls squad, and could surprise fans with his play. He’s another decent shooter from three point range (35%), and a momentum play candidate as he attacks the rim with force. Sometimes he was even the tallest player on the court for Indiana, so he can play anywhere when needed.
It is very possible the Bulls hang onto White for the season. With the constant confusion of the Lonzo Ball situation, he could be needed more than expected. On the other hand, you have to wonder what kind of year it would take from Coby in order to get an extension from Chicago. With so many other ball handlers on the roster, it may be hard for White to stand out. They may try to get whatever value they can from him before he hits unrestricted free agency in July of 2023.
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