The Chicago Bulls remain stuck in neutral. They have lost in the play-in tournament for three consecutive years. VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas seems unwilling to pick a direction. He won't hit the reset button to rebuild, accumulating as many assets as possible, but also won't make a bold move to turn the team into a legitimate playoff contender. Their failure to land a top five pick in the upcoming draft didn't help that perception. Sadly, we've received more confirmation via a new rumor about Coby White.
Chicago's young point guard has one year left on his contract. He is a free agent in 2026. The problem is that they can't offer him the starting job because that belongs to Josh Giddey. A position switch seems unlikely. So, unless they can somehow convince him to sign another extension, there is a real possibility he might leave after next season. This is why a trade makes plenty of sense. People don't know that the Bulls already had a big opportunity.
According to Locked On Bulls, Orlando approached them with an offer of Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac, two future 1st round picks, and an unspecified pick swap.
Failing on Coby White likely led to Magic's Desmond Bane trade.
Orlando was clearly looking for help at guard. They wanted somebody who could give them 18-20 points per game with decent shooting from three-point range. That the Bulls could've gotten two solid bench players and two extra 1st round picks for somebody they're likely to lose in a year anyway tells you everything you need to know about this organization. They stubbornly still believe this current lineup is capable of a deep playoff run. They only need one or two more key pieces to bring it all together. Such denial is what holds them back from being taken seriously. Coby White is a good player. He is not a difference-maker. If he gives you a possible window to acquire one in the future, you take it.
That may be the best offer Chicago will get for him. They have until February 12th of 2026 to change course. Otherwise the Bulls will be left wondering if they screwed the pooch by not accepting that offer.
