The Chicago Bulls are exploring trade options around two key guards while restricted free agent Josh Giddey and the franchise remain at an impasse over a long-term contract. Front office discussions include gauging interest in Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, exploring sign-and-trade pathways, and mapping out offseason roster priorities.
Key Takeaways
Chicago has received more inquiries about Ayo Dosunmu than Coby White.
Giddey seeks a deal in the $30 million-per-year range; Bulls hold leverage.
Sign-and-trade, long-term agreement, or qualifying offer are on the table.
Balancing backcourt defense and playmaking is central to any move.
Bulls’ Guard Market Evaluation
Coby White
• Emerging as Chicago’s primary scoring option.
• Final year of contract; projected for a sizable raise.
Ayo Dosunmu
• Slip into third guard role behind Tre Jones and White.
• Attractive on a modest $7.5 million salary; high trade appeal.
The Bulls have quietly fielded calls on both, with Dosunmu’s name more prominent in league chatter. Maintaining one or both guards could offer depth, but extending full-value offers may strain future payroll flexibility.
Josh Giddey’s Contract Impasse
Giddey, a restricted free agent, is seeking a contract similar to Jalen Suggs (approx. $30 million per season). With virtually no team capable of exceeding the Bulls’ offer sheet under the current cap, Chicago sits in the driver’s seat.
Possible outcomes:
Long-term extension with Chicago at a negotiated midpoint.
Sign-and-trade to a team acquiring additional draft assets.
Giddey declines and signs the qualifying offer, hitting unrestricted free agency in 2026.
Potential Trade Scenarios
Scenario
Traded Asset
Expected Return
Pros
Cons
Dosunmu for Young Wing
Ayo Dosunmu
1st-round pick + reserve guard
Clears cap space; wing depth
Loses a versatile playmaker
White for Future Picks
Coby White
Multiple second-round picks
Long-term flexibility
Sacrifices emerging scorer
Giddey Sign-and-Trade
RFA Giddey Rights
Combination of picks and contracts
Preserves cap; gains assets
Risks alienating star acquisition
What’s Next For Chicago
The Bulls’ front office will monitor league interest through the summer. Any deal must align with long-term championship aspirations while shoring up perimeter defense to complement Giddey’s playmaking.
Key dates:
NBA Draft: Additional trade inquiries may surface.
Free Agency: Final window for sign-and-trade negotiations.
Training Camp: Roster composition solidified ahead of 2025-26 season.
Chicago’s willingness to stand firm on Giddey’s extension and to leverage its guard depth underscores a strategic patience that could yield dividends or prompt bold roster transformations.
Sources
Bulls Reportedly Shopping Two Guards in Trade Talks, Heavy Sports.
New Report on Potential Josh Giddey Trade, Sports Illustrated.
New Report on Potential Bulls-Warriors Trade, Sports Illustrated.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/joshgiddey/
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