Coby White was once Chicago’s streaky scorer, a guard who could light up a scoreboard one night and disappear the next. Over the last two seasons, he has become something entirely different: the player reshaping the Bulls’ backcourt and, potentially, their salary cap. Over this period, he has averaged 19.7 points and 4,8 assists on 37.3% from long range, finishing second in Most Improved voting in 2023-24. His growth, alongside the newly extended Josh Giddey, has reshaped the Bulls’ long-term outlook.

That leap carries financial implications. White is entering the final year of his three-year, $36 million contract, and league chatter suggests he could command north of $30 million annually in free agency. That figure would surpass the recently locked-in $100 million extension for Josh Giddey, forcing Chicago to consider how much they’re willing to invest in a backcourt duo while balancing veterans, expiring contracts, and long-term flexibility.

NBA insider Jake Fischer recently echoed that sentiment, noting that an extension this year is unlikely. “Coby White, to my understanding, is going to be eligible for more money as a free agent next year,” Fischer said. “The talk around the league has already been that Coby White is going to be seeking even north of the $30 million average annual value that Josh Giddey has been … I’m not expecting an extension for Coby White at this juncture.”

The Bulls now find themselves staring down two paths: lock in White long-term at a premium price, or risk losing him after the best season of his career. As Fischer explained, “I’m not expecting an extension for Coby White at this juncture … his future and what Coby White’s contract could ultimately look like is now, I think, probably question number one about Chicago from a transactional standpoint.”

His point highlights how central White’s situation has become, especially after Zach LaVine‘s exit. For a team that has spent years refusing to commit fully to either a rebuild or a win-now push, deciding whether to pay White $30+ million annually could finally force the front office to choose a direction.

Giddey’s extension sets a clear benchmark. At 22, he averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and shot a career best 37.8% from three while showing versatility that earned him a four-year, $100 million guarantee. If White, now 25, commands more, the Bulls would pay near-All-Star money for two young guards. The financial implications are real and unprecedented for a team still balancing veterans, cap room, and future flexibility.

That financial pressure comes as other decisions loom. Veteran big Nikola Vucevic is on an expiring contract, which creates flexibility and uncertainty for the Bulls depending on whether they keep, trade, or let him walk. White’s rise doesn’t happen in isolation; the Bulls’ decisions on trades, extensions, and backcourt composition all hinge on his next contract. His free agency could force a pivot in the franchise’s approach, determining whether Chicago doubles down on a stable backcourt or adjusts its strategy for the long term.

The Free Agency Gamble That Could Define Chicago

After LaVine’s trade last season, Coby White emerged as Chicago’s go-to scorer and floor general. In 31 games following the trade, he averaged 23.1 points and 4.3 assists while increasing his efficiency to 47.5% from the field. He also logged a team-high 33.1 minutes per game, showing he could handle heavy usage and primary creation duties night after night. For Chicago, White’s ability to step up in LaVine’s stead proves he’s more than just a scorer; he’s the foundation for the Bulls’ backcourt moving forward.

White enters a market that mid-tier stars have reset. Jalen Green’s $105 million contract ($35M/year), Jordan Poole’s $128 million extension ($32M/year), and Immanuel Quickley’s $162 million ($32.5M/year) deal show that young guards can now command top-dollar without being perennial All-Stars. White’s production and age place him squarely in this bracket, and the 2026 salary cap increase of 10% only enhances his leverage.

White’s free agency isn’t just a financial puzzle, but a test of Chicago’s vision. The Bulls must decide whether to double down on a young backcourt duo or use the opportunity to reshape the roster around flexibility and future assets. How they handle this moment will ripple through the team’s strategy, signaling whether they aim to compete now or build toward sustained contention.