With the NBA Draft now in the rearview, the trade market should heat up even more as teams look to address needs that they couldn’t in the draft. And one player that could be on several teams’ wish lists is former Chicago Bulls first-round pick Coby White.
On Thursday, Chicago Sun-Times Bulls insider Joe Cowley revealed that White is among the players the team is having ongoing trade discussions about. It’s surprising that Chicago would want to move the emerging star. However, Cowley claims the guard has made it clear he does not want to sign an extension and will test free agency next year.
With all of that in mind, let’s look at four teams that should pursue the guard with All-Star potential.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are in a weird position. They almost won their first NBA title this month and are expected to go into payroll tax territory to re-sign Myles Turner. However, after top star Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in game seven of the Finals, he will miss all of next season. Do they just go with the group they have and hope for the best, or try and play more meaningful basketball next summer?
White would be a pretty interesting rental replacement for Haliburton. They should get a very good year out of him with him in a walk year and his $12 million for next season is a reasonable number to add to the payroll.
- Coby White stats (2024-25): 20.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 37% 3PT
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic made one of the first big moves of the offseason when they traded for Memphis Grizzlies star Desmond Bane. The goal was to add another playmaker and three-point threat. Well, why not add even more with White? The East is wide open with Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, and Damian Lillard all expected to miss the season with Achilles injuries. Going all in by trading for White could land them the missing piece of a team that reaches the Finals next year.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Entering the offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves were viewed as a serious contender for NBA legend Kevin Durant. Unfortunately, the 15-time All-Star had no interest in playing in Minnesota. Since they failed at landing Durant, a pivot to White should be considered. Point guard Mike Conley’s best days are well behind him. Replacing him for a season with White could give the ‘Wolves one of the deadliest backcourts in the league.
- Coby White contract: One year, $12.8 million left
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat were another team that came up short in the chase for Durant. As currently constituted, they are a group that will have to fight to avoid the Play-In Tournament next season. That is why trading for White should appeal to Miami. It gives them another scorer and playmaker. Something they lost and did not replace when they traded Jimmy Butler. It could be a year-long tryout for a potential long-term extension next spring.
