The Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly have inquired about Chicago Bulls guard Coby White, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Bulls Fielding Trade Interest In Coby White
Cowley heard from a source that Minnesota is seeking to add another ball-handler before the trade deadline. Mike Conley was the Timberwolves’ full-time starting point guard for most of the past two seasons.
However, Conley was moved to the second unit this fall in favor of Donte DiVincenzo. Since 2024 lottery pick Rob Dillingham is not ready for a bigger role, star guard Anthony Edwards could use assistance.
NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported Thursday that the Bulls are continuing to field trade interest in White amid the team’s recent struggles after starting the season 5-0.
The Bulls have lost 14 of 18 games since then, including seven in a row.
White, 25, has been limited to seven appearances (five starts) this season due primarily to a calf strain that delayed his debut. He’s averaging career highs of 22.1 points and 5.4 assists per game.
Cowley noted that DiVincenzo ($12 million), second-year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. ($2.7 million), and a future draft pick could be a potential trade package for White.
White Has Been A Consistent Guard
In 74 games (73 starts) last season, White averaged 20.4 points to go along with 3.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 33.1 minutes per contest. The former first-rounder also shot 45.3% from the floor and 37% from deep.
White was also named Eastern Conference Player of the Month in March. He had three straight games of 35 points or more and finished the month averaging 27.7 points.
The UNC product recorded a career-high 44 points in a win at Orlando on March 6. He finished 16-of-28 (57.1%) shooting from the floor and 7-for-15 (46.7%) from beyond the arc.
In addition, White finished second behind Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey in Most Improved Player voting in the 2023-24 season after averaging a then-career-best 19.1 points on 44.7% shooting from the field.
Per Spotrac, White is on an expiring three-year, $36 million contract. His deal includes nearly $4 million in total incentives, and he’s earning $12.88 million this campaign.
He’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Wolves Checked In With Grizzlies About Ja Morant
Appearing on SiriusXM Radio on Nov. 9, The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski said the Timberwolves “checked in” with the Memphis Grizzlies about a possible Ja Morant trade.
Krawczynski described the conversation as exploratory, stating Minnesota is “testing the waters a little bit” to see if a deal could be reached before this season’s trade deadline.
The Wolves, however, are better off making a deal for White.
Tax apron restrictions would make it difficult for Minnesota to acquire Morant, who is earning $39.5 million this season and is in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract.
Per Spotrac, Morant is also slated to earn $42.16 million next season and as much as $44.88 million in 2027-28. His deal also includes a 15% trade bonus.
