The Chicago Bulls enter the 2024-25 season with several big questions, but none bigger than the future of Coby White. What is his ceiling? Should the team build around him? If not, what could they get in return?

White is entering the final year of his rookie extension (three years, $36 million) and will hit free agency next summer. His role and minutes have steadily increased, and last season he averaged just over 20 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, showing clear growth in his production. In all likelihood, White will be seeking $30 million per year in his new deal.

Fortunately, he’s on a team-friendly deal, and front offices are typically hesitant to part with valuable assets in exchange for a one-year rental. If there were a guarantee White would sign an extension with the team he is being traded to that could entice the package.

$30 million a season for cap space is not the same as it was 5 years ago. In the 2020-21 season the cap was at $109 million. For this upcoming season, the cap is at $156 million and projected to be at $201 million in 2030-31. So getting a 20 point scorer for that price could be a discount, especially if Matas Buzelis develops into a star. White could bring a scoring punch and good shooting as a second or third option for the Bulls. Going up to $35 million would allow the Bulls financial flexibility in the future.

So is White worth $30 million a year? Given where the cap is heading it is best to get ahead. Giving White a 4 year deal in the range of $110 to $130 million lets this team build chemistry. Paired with the Josh Giddey extension, the Bulls have a chance to set the culture, win games, and make some noise in the wide open Eastern Conference. White has showcased the ability to score as the #1 option. In the final 20 games of last season, White averaged more than 25 points a game, including five 30+ point performances.

Given these factors and the market in terms of reliable scorers at this level, it should be a no-brainer the Bulls extend White. He complimented Giddey and Buzelis and the Bulls finished 15-5 down the stretch to get into the play-in game. As the cap continues to climb, White’s annual value will have a lesser percentage as the years go on. He brings contagious energy when he’s on the floor. You never know when a Coby White hot streak will start and I want to see him in a Bulls uniform for a few more seasons.