Bulls guards Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones have all drawn interest from potential trade partners leading up to next Thursday’s deadline, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link). However, one of those players appears more likely to be dealt than the others.
Fischer identifies White as the Bulls guard who is the best bet to be on the move in the next eight days, while Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times agrees that White is the player the team is discussing most frequently. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints confirms that there are indications Chicago would prefer to keep and extend Dosunmu rather than White.
As Fischer outlines, both White and Dosunmu will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, but White – who previously passed on negotiating an extension that would’ve maxed out at about $87MM over four years – is expected to be seeking the larger payday of the two.
While the Bulls – with a relatively clean cap sheet and White’s Bird rights in hand – could accommodate a deal that exceeds $87MM over four years, it’s getting more difficult to envision them going too high for White after signing Josh Giddey to a four-year, $100MM contract last summer, Fischer writes. As Fischer explains, Dosunmu has proven capable of being a more complementary backcourt piece alongside Giddey, whereas White is at his best when he has the ball in his hands more frequently.
That makes Dosunmu a better fit going forward, and it helps that he’s a Chicago native, which the franchise has historically valued. Fischer also hears from sources that Dosunmu has “found good alignment” with the Bulls’ coaching staff.
As for which teams are in the mix for White, Fischer says the Timberwolves continue to be mentioned as a suitor. The Wolves are in need of a backcourt upgrade and their head of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, worked with Bulls executive VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas in Denver.
However, Minnesota would have some reservations about giving up much of value for White if there’s a good chance he might just be a rest-of-season rental, Fischer writes. With over $194MM in guaranteed money on their books for next season, the Wolves aren’t currently in a great position to sign White to a lucrative new contract in the offseason.
Fischer also hears that the Wolves aren’t necessarily eager to move on from respected veteran point guard Mike Conley, despite the fact that his expiring $10.8MM looks like an obvious salary-matching piece in a move for a player like White ($12.9MM). Minnesota appears more willing to deal 2024 lottery pick Rob Dillingham, Fischer adds.
Besides Minnesota, the Rockets are also in the mix for White, according to both Cowley and Siegel. Cowley suggests players like Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason have been “floated in some capacity.”
It certainly makes sense that Chicago would inquire on those youngsters, but I’m skeptical Houston would be willing to include either one in an offer for White, given his contract situation. Sheppard has emerged as a quality rotation player in his second NBA season, while one recent report suggested Eason is considered off limits in trade talks.
Siegel identifies the Clippers as another team with interest in White, though both he and Cowley suggest there are more teams beyond those three in play for the Bulls guard.
Thank god . Finally a bulls report that doesnt immediately hurt my head. Ayo is 100% the guy to prioritize, way better fit w Giddey and someone every team would want.
Dillingham doesn’t do anything for me. Would be yet another guard and not sure what his upside is if he hasn’t shown it for a team that needs him. Sheppard and esp Eason would be godsends but don’t see that happening. Even Capela and 2nds would be better than letting Coby walk though.
No one on the clips excites me… maybe DJJ return and some 2nds ? I would ultimately still vote for Dillingham/ Beringer combo for White . Beringer intrigues me as a young big
I totally agree that Ayo is a better fit than White. I would be happy if the Bulls gave Ayo the 87 million and traded White. I just wish they’d do it and get it over with. Ayo has improved his shooting 100% since he was drafted and it was the only real weak spot he had. He’s totally capable with Jones and Giddey of running the offense at any time and White is a total catastrophe at times when he’s asked to do it. Well he really isn’t asked to do it he just decides to go off all by himself. The Bulls waited to deal him and his value has cratered. He could have been dealt at the last draft and it would have been perfect. In fact if the Bulls liked Essengue that much they could have traded White , Got another first for White and drafted both Queen and Essengue and this team might have been even better this year and on the rise not stuck again at .500 mediocrity. Sigh. Just would have taken a leader with vision.
If , If, if you get a good offer for all three, trade them all. Get assets, we are not one year away, everyone but Giddey is available. I like Ayo, so wouldnt mind resigning him.
THIS TIMES A MILLION.
Minnesota get on the phone …… now.
I can see the financial issue. But that’s for next year.
Rockets are an interesting player in this. I don’t give up Shepard or Eason.
I see Minny and Phoenix as best fits for Coby. TWolves can challenge for West with Coby. Dillingham and a pick should do it.
Except the Bulls need Dillingham like a bad case rabies. Unless the pick is an unprotected 1st. Then they can trade Dillingham too.
Why wouldn’t they want Dillingham. He’s a 21 yr old PG. That can develop backing up Giddey. Not only is he depth. He’s a future asset for another move. Especially if you help him get better. Bulls are basically in rebuilding mode. Picks and young talent is what they need most.
Bulls have Giddey, Jones and Ayo for PG’s. 4 is ridiculous and he would just sit. Assuming of course the Bulls do the smart thing and extend Ayo. You can’t count on AK to do the smart thing. Ever.
If Rockets don’t want to give up either Sheppard or Eason, we good over here. Don’t need bums when Coby is a proven 20 PPG scorer the last 3 years and also 37% from 3PT. Who tf do we get if Eason isn’t available? Josh Okogie or DFS? Possibly Tate?
No front office respects AK, that’s why he’s getting low ball offers on Coby.