A few weeks ago, reports shocked the entire NBA world, saying that Giannis Antetokounmpo was growing frustrated with the situation in Milwaukee and was open to finding a new landing spot. The Chicago Bulls have gone through every phase of being a potential trade partner, from being rumored as one of the first calls, to Billy Donovan shooting down any notion that the team had been contacted about it, to now being entirely off the list of potential destinations. Antetokounmpo is reportedly seeking a competitive team that features a big market, and preferably somewhere warm. Chicago misses two of those three checkboxes and will likely not be in play for the former NBA Finals MVP. However, even though they won't land the superstar, they may still be involved in the story.
Milwaukee Is Trying To Build A Supporting Cast
According to Eric Nehm, Milwaukee Bucks beat reporter with The Athletic, the franchise is frantically trying one last attempt at convincing their star to stay. Nehm reports that this would be achieved through trading for another star and building a better team around Antetokounmpo, in the hope that he would remain with the team. How does Chicago factor in? Enter Coby White. The 25-year-old guard is slated to be an unrestricted free agent this summer and is on the brink of stardom. Milwaukee parted ways with Damian Lillard this summer after he suffered a torn Achilles in the playoffs a year ago, and his departure left a sizeable hole at the point guard position. White would be the perfect replacement for playmaking, scoring, and three-point shooting capabilities.
The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to make a significant addition with their assets to add talent and convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to stay, per @eric_nehm
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 15, 2025
“Five months after the Milwaukee Bucks’ stunning decision to waive Damian Lillard en route to adding big man Myles Turner on… pic.twitter.com/ZJq3LAvBZZ
Milwaukee owns its own first-round picks in four of the next five upcoming NBA Drafts. This will likely be involved in a trade for White, along with a young talent on the roster. Chicago will be waging a bidding war for White with at least three teams now reportedly interested in his services.
Finding The Best Offer For Coby White
Currently, the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Milwaukee Bucks have all expressed interest or been linked to the Bulls' guard in some fashion. Since the latter two will be making this move in an effort to compete for an NBA Championship in the near future, Chicago's front office would be wise to host a bidding war between any potential suitors. The best combination of draft capital and young talent should prevail in any potential trades, and if done correctly, they can help accelerate their slow-moving rebuild process.
Bill Simmons wants the Bulls to trade Coby White
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@Bullsfans) November 7, 2025
“If I’m Chicago, I struck oil with Josh Giddey. I don’t want Coby White. I’m not going to pay him next year” pic.twitter.com/DQGZNxFCIb
White has quickly become the second most likely player to be traded away before February's deadline, right after 35-year-old Nikola Vucevic. Where does he land, and how much can Chicago net in return?
