The Chicago Bulls, a franchise stuck in the NBA’s middle ground, face critical decisions this offseason as they aim to reshape their roster. With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, speculation has arisen about whether the Bulls should offer guard Coby White to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for the #3 overall pick. This article evaluates the potential trade, considering White’s value, the Bulls’ current roster dynamics, and the strategic implications of acquiring a high draft pick.
Coby White’s Value to the Bulls
Coby White, selected seventh overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, has emerged as a cornerstone of the Bulls’ backcourt. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged career highs of 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, shooting 44.7% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. His 209 three-pointers set a Bulls single-season franchise record, showcasing his growth as a dynamic scoring guard. White’s standout performances, including a career-high 44 points against the Orlando Magic on March 6, 2025, and earning Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors, highlight his importance as a primary offensive option.
At 25 years old, White is still young and under contract through the 2025-26 season on a three-year, $36 million deal. His versatility as a combo guard, capable of playing both on and off the ball, makes him a valuable asset. However, with Josh Giddey’s arrival via trade last summer, White has shifted to a more off-ball role, which has reportedly caused some frustration. The Bulls’ backcourt, featuring White and Giddey, excels offensively but struggles defensively, raising questions about their long-term fit.
The Appeal of the #3 Pick
The #3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft represents a chance to acquire a high-upside prospect, potentially a franchise-altering talent like Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, or another top-tier player. The Bulls, holding the #12 pick, missed out on lottery luck, limiting their access to elite prospects without trading up. A player selected at #3 could address key needs, such as a versatile wing or a defensive-minded big, and provide a cornerstone for the Bulls’ ongoing rebuild.
The Philadelphia 76ers, reportedly open to trading the #3 pick, may seek immediate “win-now” help after a season derailed by injuries to stars like Joel Embiid. Daryl Morey, the 76ers’ president of basketball operations, is known for bold moves, and White’s scoring ability could complement Philadelphia’s roster, particularly alongside Tyrese Maxey, who edged White for the 2023-24 Most Improved Player award.
Pros of the Trade
Access to Elite Talent: The #3 pick offers the Bulls a chance to draft a player with star potential, addressing long-term needs and accelerating their rebuild. With Zach LaVine traded and the Bulls focusing on youth, a high draft pick aligns with their direction.
Resolving Backcourt Logjam: Trading White could clarify the Bulls’ backcourt situation. Giddey, a restricted free agent in 2026, is likely to command a significant contract, and paying both him and White long-term may strain the Bulls’ cap space, especially given their defensive limitations together.
Draft Capital for Future Moves: A top-three pick could be a valuable asset for future trades if the Bulls opt not to keep the player. This flexibility could help them target a veteran star or additional assets to complement their young core.
Cons of the Trade
Losing a Proven Asset: White is a known quantity, a 25-year-old guard with consistent improvement and a knack for scoring. Trading him for a draft pick, even a high one, carries risk, as not all top prospects pan out. White’s production (20.4 points, 4.5 assists per game in 2024-25) is difficult to replace.
Uncertainty in the Draft: While the #3 pick holds immense potential, the 2025 draft class’s strength is not fully known. If the Bulls miss on their selection, they could regret parting with a player of White’s caliber.
Fan and Team Morale: White has become a fan favorite and a leader on the Bulls’ roster. Trading him could impact team chemistry and fan support, especially after his breakout performances.
Strategic Considerations
The Bulls’ front office, led by Arturas Karnisovas, has prioritized competitiveness, as evidenced by their push for the Play-In Tournament despite criticism for not tanking to improve draft positioning. Trading White for the #3 pick would signal a shift toward a full rebuild, betting on youth over immediate results. However, the Bulls’ reluctance to trade White in previous proposals, such as a three-team deal involving Orlando and Atlanta, suggests they value him highly and may demand additional assets alongside the #3 pick.
For the 76ers, White’s fit is appealing but not perfect. His scoring prowess could bolster their bench or start alongside Maxey, but Philadelphia may prefer a veteran like Paul George or additional draft capital in a larger deal. The Bulls might need to sweeten the offer with players like Nikola Vucevic or their #12 pick to make the trade viable.
Recommendation
The Bulls should not offer Coby White for the #3 pick alone unless additional assets, such as a future first-round pick or a young player, are included. White’s proven production and youth make him a valuable piece for the Bulls’ current and future plans. While the #3 pick is enticing, the risk of losing a reliable scorer for an unproven prospect is significant, especially given the Bulls’ history of draft misses. Instead, the Bulls could explore packaging their #12 pick with other assets (e.g., Nikola Vucevic or Patrick Williams) to move up in the draft while retaining White as a core piece. This approach balances immediate competitiveness with long-term potential, aligning with the Bulls’ current trajectory.
Conclusion
Trading Coby White for the #3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is a high-stakes decision for the Chicago Bulls. While the allure of a top prospect is strong, White’s contributions and potential outweigh the uncertainty of a draft pick. The Bulls should prioritize retaining White unless an exceptionally favorable deal emerges, ensuring they maintain a competitive edge while building for the future.