The 2026 NBA trade deadline is officially 10 days away. As the window continues to dwindle, more steam surrounds the Chicago Bulls. First, reports in December claimed they could be the most active team in the Eastern Conference, specifically selling assets for future capital. As January has progressed, it’s been leaked that Nikola Vucevic is likely staying put, as the Bulls are not getting strong enough offers to move him, and that the team may stick with the current group as they inch closer to a playoff spot. They’ve won four in a row, the best streak in the conference, and are nearing full-strength for the first time all season. One name that continues to stay at the top of most trade talk boards is Coby White, with his expiring contract and actual value to a contending roster. Several ties have been made to a potential deal, and here’s the latest.
Timberwolves Deal Heating Up
Coby White to the Minnesota Timberwolves has easily been the most rumored trade the entire season. As recently as yesterday afternoon, more details continue to add context to this potential swap. According to Jake Weinbach, NBA analyst and writer, the trade would be centered around Mike Conley, Terrence Shannon Jr., and multiple late-round draft picks. Conley’s contract expires this summer, and instantly walk in unrestricted free agency. Shannon Jr. is a long-term gamble at low risk; he’s inked for the next three seasons, but also hasn’t shown much potential at the professional level.
Per @JWeinbachNBA the Wolves are still very much pursuing Coby White
They are centering their pursuit around an offer of around Mike Conley, Terrence Shannon Jr., and multiple second-round picks
Would you make this deal? pic.twitter.com/Easx3soG06
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bulls (@JAYChi_Bulls) January 25, 2026
This would not be a good deal for Chicago. White’s performance over the last several years and the last few weeks has proven he’s worthy of a hefty investment on the trade market. This transaction would bring the Bulls one aging point guard who provides no value in the current or future, one younger asset who hasn’t shown many flashes of production in the NBA, and adds to the overflow of guards the organization already boasts, and then low-grade draft capital.
Hold Out For A Better Deal
Whether it’s with the Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, or elsewhere, Arturas Karnisovas needs to do better than this. Coby White is a surefire All-Star sometime in the next five seasons, has averaged over 20 points in a year, has played in 60 or more games for six of his seven career campaigns, and has proven to be one of the most talented three-level scorers leaguewide. Starting-caliber talent, high-potential prospects, or top-end draft picks have to be the goal. Letting White walk for an insignificant return would be another example of front office malpractice.
Per @JWeinbachNBA: “The Bulls are believed to be hoping for an unprotected first-round pick in trade talks for Coby White, but it’s unlikely that they’ll receive one despite multiple teams interested.”
Do you think we can get a first round pick for Coby? pic.twitter.com/wvyfkOSNfn
— SleeperBulls (@SleeperChicago) January 25, 2026
Most can agree that, among Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, and White, the former Tar Heel is the one who should be traded in the next week. That doesn’t mean that Karnisovas should let him walk for a minimal return, or that he needs to be shipped to a contender for an insignificant package.
