The Chicago Bulls remain in a rebuilding effort following their third consecutive Play-In Tournament exit to the Miami Heat.
The team is still in contract negotiations with restricted free agent Josh Giddey, though it appears increasingly likely the two sides will reach an agreement. With Giddey likely running the point and Ayo Dosunmu and Isaac Okoro providing wing depth next season, it remains unclear if Coby White fits into Chicago’s long-term plans.
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, White is on an expiring contract and will likely land a lucrative deal in unrestricted free agency next summer. While the Bulls could retain him, continuing their rebuild through the draft may take priority.
Mock trade sends Coby White to Heat
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently compiled a mock trade that would send White to the Heat, landing the Bulls a promising 22-year-old forward.
MORE: Bulls receive positive update on Josh Giddey contract negotiations
Here’s Buckley’s proposed trade:
Bulls receive: Nikola Jovic, Simone Fontecchio
Heat receive: Coby White
Jovic has yet to appear in more than 50 regular-season games in a single campaign and dealt with injury concerns last season, including an extended absence due to a fractured right hand. Still, he has potential, and the Heat reportedly remain high on his upside, even refusing to include him in trade talks for Kevin Durant this summer, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Fontecchio could provide a spark off the bench and has shot 36.3 percent from beyond the arc over his three-year career. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, while Jovic will be a restricted free agent, so the Bulls wouldn’t risk much financially.
White is an extremely talented player and is coming off a career-best season. However, the Bulls may be reluctant to pay him the lucrative contract he’s likely to command on the open market, making a midseason trade a realistic scenario.
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