Chicago Bulls guards Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones have attracted significant trade interest from rival teams ahead of the February 5 NBA trade deadline. White currently stands as the most probable Bulls guard to be moved before next Thursday’s deadline for several reasons.
Multiple sources indicate White is expected to command the highest salary among the three guards when he reaches free agency this summer. White rejected extension discussions last fall that would have resulted in a four-year deal worth $87 million. White, who represented by Ty Sullivan and Steven Heumann, is seeking a contract exceeding those figures on the open market.
The Bulls appear reluctant to commit substantial salary to a secondary ballhandler after signing Josh Giddey to a four-year, $100 million extension in restricted free agency last fall. White has performed best as a primary offensive initiator, while Dosunmu has thrived in a supporting role alongside Giddey.
Dosunmu holds additional value to Chicago as a Chicagoland native, something the organization has consistently prioritized throughout its history. Sources indicate he has developed strong rapport with the Bulls’ coaching staff. His ability to contribute effectively on both ends while playing a complementary game increases his retention likelihood.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as a team with interest in White due to connections between president Tim Connelly and Bulls general manager Arturas Karnisovas from their Denver Nuggets tenure and their obvious need at guard. However, Minnesota may hesitate to acquire White as merely a rest-of-season rental without long-term security. The Wolves reportedly show more reluctance to part with Mike Conley Jr. than previously suggested, though Rob Dillingham appears more available.
White is averaging 19.0 points, 4.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 28.8 minutes across 25 games. He is shooting 37 percent from three-point range this season.
Dosunmu is posting 14.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 25.9 minutes across 40 games. He is converting 45.3 percent of 4.3 three-point attempts per game.
Jones is contributing 12.4 points, 5.8 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 26.9 minutes across 38 games. He is shooting 32.8 percent on just 1.7 three-pointers per game.
The February 5 deadline looms as the critical date for Chicago to determine whether to capitalize on White’s trade value or risk losing him without compensation this offseason. The Bulls face a challenging decision regarding their backcourt configuration moving forward.