The Chicago Bulls made a bold decision this summer by rejecting what many considered a “massive offer” from the Orlando Magic for rising star Coby White. As reported on Locked On Bulls, the offer came just before the Magic pivoted to acquire Desmond Bane in a blockbuster deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Chicago Bulls Receive: Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, two 1st first-round picks, first-round pick swap
Orlando Magic Receive: Coby White
The Magic reportedly offered Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, two first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap in exchange for Coby White. It was a substantial offer, especially considering what Orlando eventually gave up for Bane, a player of similar age and profile, in their Father’s Day trade.
That deal involved Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-rounders, and a pick swap.
Coby White, still just 25, had a breakout 2024-25 campaign. He averaged 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 45.3% from the field and 37.0% from deep. White also shot an elite 90.2% from the free-throw line and appeared in 74 games, giving the Bulls consistent production.
His career-best 44-point explosion against Orlando on March 6 perhaps helped cement the Magic’s interest in him.
White is entering the final year of his three-year, $36 million contract and is due for a lucrative extension.
He’s expected to become a foundational piece alongside Josh Giddey, who is likely to re-sign with the Bulls this offseason in restricted free agency. With DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Alex Caruso all gone, Chicago is clearly entering a new era, and White is the centerpiece of that transition.
While Jonathan Isaac remains a top-tier defender when healthy, his availability has been spotty due to injuries. Cole Anthony, a fifth-year guard, has shown flashes of scoring and energy but hasn’t established himself as a consistent starting-caliber player.
The draft assets included in the deal certainly had value, but the Bulls’ front office seems confident in White’s long-term potential as a lead guard, something they’ve sought since trading Derrick Rose in 2016.
Comparisons to the Desmond Bane deal make Chicago’s decision even more intriguing. Bane, also 26, averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 48.4% shooting from the field and 39.2% from three.
His career 41.0% shooting from deep makes him one of the best long-range threats in the NBA. Yet despite Bane’s stellar résumé, the Grizzlies moved him for a massive haul, even more than what Orlando offered for White.
The Bulls, despite missing the playoffs again, seem ready to commit to White’s trajectory. With Giddey expected to join, and Nikola Vucevic possibly on the trade block, Chicago is clearing the path for a younger, faster team.
Time will tell if passing on Orlando’s offer was a wise move, but for now, the front office is betting that Coby White hasn’t just arrived, he’s just getting started.
