Coby White Traded from Bulls to Hornets

Coby White stood out as a rare positive for the Chicago Bulls during a challenging stretch in the early 2020s. Selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2019 draft, he developed over the years and became arguably the team’s top performer. However, the Bulls opted to trade him before he entered unrestricted free agency this summer.

The Charlotte Hornets, who have been on a hot streak in the NBA recently, traded for White along with Mike Conley Jr. from the Bulls. In return, the Bulls received Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and three second-round picks. This deal was first reported by Shams Charania.

While the Hornets aim for a playoff appearance, the Bulls seem to be dismantling a lackluster roster to start fresh. Let’s take a look at how this trade affects both teams.

Hornets’ Perspective on the Coby White Trade

The Hornets boast one of the brightest young lineups in the league, led by LaMelo Ball, Con Knuppel, and Brandon Miller. White, with his ability to play both on and off the ball and his considerable three-point shooting skill, represents an upgrade over Sexton in the backcourt.

Though White has been a reliable shooter, his three-point percentages have remained fairly consistent over the years. He shot 37 and 38 percent from beyond the arc in the past four seasons, respectively. This season, his performance dipped slightly, influenced by a calf strain that saw him shooting 34.6 percent from three at the time of the trade.

Defensively, White hasn’t stood out, ranking in the 14th percentile for defensive EPM. His offensive skills, however, place him in the 84th percentile for offensive EPM. Notably, this season hasn’t been his best. Acquiring White at a lower price point might prove advantageous for the Hornets, and at 26, he could attract interest from various teams. However, being a North Carolina native could drive him to stay with a rising local team.

I think having White as a potential sixth man in Charlotte might suit him well, especially if Ball encounters further injuries. It seems like a reasonable trade for a solid player.

Bulls’ Perspective on the Coby White Trade

The Bulls recognized that they didn’t plan to re-sign White and decided to trade him for future assets while they had the chance. While this strategy is understandable, it feels like they could have leveraged White’s value more effectively last season.

This trade indicates a significant commitment to rebuilding, especially following the departures of White, Nikola Vucevic, and Kevin Huerter. Anfernee Simons might be a suitable replacement for White, but he also needs a new contract. Jaden Ivey, despite dealing with the aftermath of a foot injury, is expected to play a big role, but it’s unclear how he will perform. Currently, Chicago’s roster features just one healthy big man, Jalen Smith, who primarily plays as a power forward. This puts the Bulls in a precarious position for the remainder of the season.

While aiming for a better draft position instead of fighting for a play-in spot seems like the right move, it feels a bit late. The Bulls might slide to the ninth or tenth pick, but they’ll need a stroke of luck to secure a better lottery position. The Bulls, unlike some teams without stars, have avoided losing intentionally over the last five years. With one of the league’s largest fan bases eager for superstars, drafting either Cameron Boozer or Darrin Peterson could shift the franchise’s trajectory dramatically. This prospect feels more attainable now, although still requiring a fair share of luck.

Ultimately, the Bulls could have maximized White’s value by trading him a year ago. Now, holding onto him until the last moment left them with little return.