Coby White Trade Rumors Link Bulls Guard to West Contender Ahead of NBA Deadline

The Minnesota Timberwolves could be considering making a push to bring in Chicago Bulls guard Coby White ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

The Athletic's Sam Amick reported Friday the Timberwolves have "legitimate interest in White."

The Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley first reported Thursday that White had "been inquired about" by the Wolves.

Finalizing a trade could be difficult, Amick noted, given that White could be hitting free agency next summer.

The 25-year-old is currently playing in the final season of a three-year, $36 million contract, and Cowley reported back in September that White had informed the Bulls "he would not be taking an extension until he hits free agency next summer."

White's rental status could create what Amick described as "a negotiating gap" between the Wolves and Bulls, although Cowley reported the Timberwolves are pushing for a deal in the near future.

The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski reported the same day that there was "absolutely nothing cooking" regarding a potential White trade.

"Could that change down the road? Maybe. He's certainly a name to watch. But nothing percolating yet," Krawczynski wrote.

White, a 2019 first-round pick, has dealt with tightness in both calves that has limited him to just seven appearances so far this season. When available, however, he's been averaging a career-best 22.1 points per game on 43.1 percent shooting from the field and 30.2 shooting from deep.

The Timberwolves may have to decide how much they are willing to give up for what could be just half a season from White in order to add a player who can take away from ball-handling pressure from Anthony Edwards down the stretch of the season.