Coby White is the face of the new core the Chicago Bulls must build around

Coby has become bullish this season.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

With only a few days until the trade deadline on February 8, the fate of the Chicago Bulls as we know it hangs in the balance. The season-ending surgery that Zach LaVine opted to have renders him near-untradeable, which leaves the Bulls to ponder what their next steps will be. However, as murky as the situation may seem, a recent report suggests that the Bulls have already found their new cornerstone player in Coby White.

Dawn of a new era

According to Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report, it’s high time the Bulls turn the page. Fifteen-year pro DeMar DeRozan will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, while defensive ace Alex Caruso isn’t getting any younger and will be a free agent come 2025. Meanwhile, White is only 23 years old and has clearly established himself as a legitimate rising star in this league, averaging 19.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.

“Frankly, it is time to make some changes,” Polacek pointed out.

“The Bulls likely aren't going to be true contenders while they are focal points of the roster and could accelerate a rebuild by moving one or both of them,” he added, referring to Deebo and Caruso.

Coby White 🔥

Last 3 games
33 PTS, 7 AST, 7 3PT (52% FG)
26 PTS, 4 AST (56% FG)
35 PTS, 9 AST, 7 REB (55% FG) pic.twitter.com/IqfcLinDfP

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 7, 2024

“There needs to be a new core to build around in the future, and White is someone who can be the face of that group.”

Retool around White

The term “rebuild” appears unforbidden around the Bulls’ front office. So, instead, Chicago must retool around the former Tar Heel ace, who has taken the leap this season. After a sluggish start, White has taken off, averaging 22.6 points in December and 22.1 points per game in January.

it’s @CobyWhite world, we’re just living in it pic.twitter.com/ji6vGaAW3L

— Melissaidwhat ⁉️ (@MsMeliss) February 7, 2024

“Most of the players in the current core are veterans who likely don't have their best individual basketball ahead of them. That cannot be said about White, who has done nothing but improve this season and figures to continue doing so as the offense continues to feature him with LaVine out,” Polacek explained.

Chicago Bulls reportedly insist Coby White is off-limits in any trade talks