Timberwolves Explore Trade for Bulls Guard Coby White
timberwolves-inquire-about-coby-white
The Minnesota Timberwolves have asked the Chicago Bulls about the availability of guard Coby White as they search for immediate backcourt help, Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times reported.
The NBA trade deadline is set for February 5, but a source told Cowley that Minnesota would prefer to add another ball-handler well before that date. Chicago, which has dropped 14 of its last 18 games after opening the season 5-0, is not believed to be ready for major roster changes yet.
Veteran guard Mike Conley, 38, started for the Timberwolves the past two seasons but was moved to the bench this fall behind Donte DiVincenzo. With Conley aging, DiVincenzo not a traditional point guard, and 2024 lottery pick Rob Dillingham still developing, Minnesota has used All-Star wing Anthony Edwards as a primary facilitator and wants to lighten his workload.
White, 25, is also more combo guard than pure point guard, yet he averaged 20.4 points and 4.5 assists last season on 45.3 percent shooting overall, 37.0 percent from three and 90.2 percent at the line. A calf strain has limited him to seven appearances in 2025-26.
He is earning $12.9 million on an expiring contract. Although extension-eligible, league rules cap Chicago’s offer at roughly $87 million over four years, and White is expected to test free agency in July.
Cowley cited a potential Minnesota package of DiVincenzo ($12 million), second-year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. ($2.7 million) and a draft pick. The Bulls had shown interest in Chicago native Shannon before the 2024 draft. However, Minnesota currently lacks a tradable first-round pick, meaning any draft compensation would have to involve second-rounders or pick swaps.
The Timberwolves have been linked to several guards this season, including a recent inquiry about Memphis star Ja Morant. White’s mid-level-sized salary is viewed as a more attainable target; acquiring a max-level player such as Morant would likely force Minnesota to move at least one of Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, or Naz Reid.
Source: Hoops Rumors
