The Chicago Bulls are playing hardball at the trade deadline.
Their guard Coby White sits squarely on the trade block since he is in the final year of his three-year, $36 million contract. Before he turns into an unrestricted free agent this summer, most teams are in line to negotiate with the 25-year-old.
But head coach Billy Donovan is reportedly asking for more than what other franchises are almost ready to pay Chicago for White.
Bulls Reportedly Go Big on Coby White Asking Price
NBA expert Brett Siegel recently revealed Bulls are demanding premium compensation for their 25-year-old guard despite zero guarantees he re-signs anywhere after this season.
He detailed Chicago’s asking price during an appearance on the Bulls Central podcast, saying that the Bulls want an unprotected first-round pick for White despite his contract situation.
Siegel explained that Chicago believes White is that type of value and player regardless of his impending free agency. “I think that as we’re three weeks away from the trade deadline, right now they’ve wanted an unprotected first round pick for Coby White, even though he is in the final year of his contract,” Siegel stated.
The insider emphasized that White’s age justifies the steep demand. At 24 or 25 years old, that’s the type of value the market places on that caliber of player.
Chicago believes acquiring teams will get the same production White provides for the Bulls. His youth and talent override concerns about his expiring deal in the front office’s eyes.
White has played only 19 games this season while missing 21, averaging 17.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 44.5% from the field. His three-point shooting has dropped to 31.5% from last season’s 37%. Quite frankly, calf injuries have plagued his outing throughout the year.
Earlier this season, the Bulls had serious discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves regarding White, but those talks cooled because he was supposed to explore free agency options regardless of any trade. However, they could re-enter negotiations with other contenders like the Clippers, Mavericks, and Pistons, who have already shown realistic interest.
But Donovan’s asking price of an unprotected first-round pick remains the biggest roadblock. Teams are offering protected firsts or multiple seconds instead. Now, Chicago can only make this trade deal successful if the front office adjusts its expectations before February 5.
