As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches and the free agency period looms, the Chicago Bulls are once again surfacing as a potential trade partner for the Golden State Warriors. While past discussions reportedly centered around big man Nikola Vucevic, current trade chatter points toward Chicago’s backcourt—and it could offer the Warriors exactly what they need.
According to reporting from Chicago Sun-Times journalist Joe Cowley, the Bulls are “in active discussions” to deal either Coby White or Lonzo Ball. For a Golden State team searching for roster upgrades without blowing up their financial structure, both players present appealing possibilities.
Coby White: A Clean Fit for Golden State’s Offensive Needs
White, 25, has already been loosely linked to the Warriors. Over the past month, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater suggested a hypothetical swap involving Golden State’s Moses Moody and a future first-round pick for the scoring guard.
From a basketball standpoint, the match makes sense. The Warriors are hunting for a reliable third scoring option to complement Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. White’s scoring profile is an obvious draw—this past season, he averaged 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 45.3% from the field and hitting 37% of his three-point shots on high volume. His ability to generate offense off the dribble and stretch the floor could provide the spacing and versatility that Golden State’s current second unit lacks.
Moreover, his contract—$12.9 million in the final year—gives the Warriors a financially manageable window to assess whether he’s worth a longer-term investment, especially if he’s expected to command over $25 million annually on his next deal.
Lonzo Ball: Risky Health History, But a Natural Fit for Kerr’s System
On the other end of the spectrum is Lonzo Ball. While he may not offer the same scoring upside as White, his game ticks many boxes for Golden State’s style of play. CBS Sports analyst Sam Quinn recently dubbed Ball as the “most Steve Kerr-like player in the league”—a nod to his blend of basketball IQ, defensive commitment, playmaking savvy, and perimeter shooting.
Ball has long been praised for his ability to push the pace, read defenses, and lock down opposing guards. All of that fits nicely in the Warriors’ motion-heavy offense and aggressive switching defense.
However, there’s a major asterisk attached: Ball’s health. After missing nearly three years due to chronic knee injuries, he only recently made his return. That medical uncertainty would naturally affect his trade value—and could make him a more affordable gamble for a contender like Golden State.
His current contract, a two-year, \$20 million extension, presents relatively low financial risk if the Warriors believe he can get back to near-prime form.
Contract and Cap Implications
From a front office perspective, both White and Ball check the box for “salary-matchable” contracts—an important consideration for a team operating above the luxury tax threshold. Unlike stars on max deals or role players on vet minimums, White and Ball fall right in that mid-tier salary bracket that facilitates smoother trade scenarios.
Golden State would have to consider long-term flexibility, especially with White likely to hit free agency next summer and demand a sizable raise. If the Warriors can secure his Bird Rights in a trade, they’d have options—but extending him at market value would add more financial weight to a roster that already includes Curry, Butler, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins.
In Ball’s case, the financial burden is smaller, but the health risk is higher. Still, if the medical staff signs off, his upside as a starting-calibre point guard who doesn’t need to dominate the ball is exactly the kind of piece the Warriors have long favored.
Is Time Running Out?
The Warriors won’t be the only team eyeing Chicago’s backcourt. Guard depth is a premium in today’s league, especially for playoff teams trying to leap from good to great. That urgency could push the Warriors to make a decision sooner rather than later.
With their pick assets limited and little cap room to maneuver, the front office can’t afford to swing and miss. They need a move that upgrades the roster without sacrificing long-term flexibility—and in that context, a deal for either Coby White or Lonzo Ball starts to look very appealing.
Final Thought: Bulls’ Dilemma, Warriors’ Window
For Chicago, trading one of their guards could signal a shift in priorities—perhaps toward rebuilding, or at least retooling around a different core. For Golden State, the window for contention is still open but not infinite. Curry is still elite, but aging. Butler, newly added to the mix, brings playoff experience but also comes with his health concerns.
Adding the right complementary guard—one who can space the floor, handle the ball, and provide energy—could make all the difference. Whether that player is Coby White or Lonzo Ball, the opportunity is there. But like all opportunities in the NBA, it won’t be there forever.
See also:
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