NBA Trade Deadline Shakeup
In a significant shakeup ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Chicago Bulls have parted ways with guard Coby White and Mike Conley Jr., sending them to the Charlotte Hornets. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, this trade was executed just one day before the deadline. In return, Charlotte is sending Collin Sexton along with three second-round draft picks back to Chicago, while the Bulls also welcome Ousmane Dieng, who had previously played for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Restructuring the Backcourt
This move follows a series of transactions aimed at restructuring the Bulls’ backcourt. Notably, the team had previously traded wing Kevin Huerter for Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons and acquired Conley from the Minnesota Timberwolves. They additionally brought in Anfernee Simons in a deal that involved center Nikola Vučević moving to the Boston Celtics. These acquisitions led to a crowded backcourt for Chicago, which now includes Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, White, Ivey, and Simons.
Coby White’s Performance
Coby White, who was a lottery pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has been a consistent presence in the Bulls’ lineup, emerging as a scoring leader with averages of 19.1, 20.5, and 18.5 points per game over the past three seasons. A notable three-point shooter with a career percentage of 36.8%, White’s performance in the current season has been hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 29 games. He has averaged 18.6 points and 4.7 assists, though his turnover rate has reached a career-high of three per game.
Mike Conley’s Future
Meanwhile, Mike Conley Jr. did not make an appearance for the Bulls but has averaged 4.4 points and 2.9 assists while predominantly playing off the bench for Minnesota this season. There is speculation regarding his future with the Hornets, as he could potentially be bought out of his contract, which may lead him back to Minnesota on a minimum deal. Conley’s contract runs through this season, after which he will enter free agency.
New Direction for the Bulls
The Bulls’ decision to move on from White, particularly with the impending expiration of his contract, signals a new direction for the franchise as they look to reconfigure their roster for the future. Without an extension, White will become a free agent at the end of the season.
