The Minnesota Timberwolves are expected to have an active offseason after losing in the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year. With free agents Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Wolves will have some diffcult decisions to make. Minnesota has also been linked to Kevin Durant. However, if they can't land KD, they might pursue another trade.
One clear need is perimeter shot creation and playmaking. Darius Garland would be a logical target; however, his recent injury alters the situation. Coby White could be available, and he would be an ideal trade target to fix this roster flaw.
White would fit like a glove
White is a gifted three-level scorer and crafty playmaker. The Chicago Bulls guard is coming off a stellar season where he averaged 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 45.3/37/90.2 shooting splits. White's ability to get downhill with his elite speed would benefit the Wolves greatly. Notably, the UNC product averaged 12.6 drives per game this past season, which is among the most in the league. His high-level three-point shooting and playmaking would also be beneficial to the Wolves.
With White's size (6-foot-5) and shot creation, he'd give the Wolves backcourt a different element. Mike Conley is aging and no longer capable of playing 30-plus minutes per night; he can still contribute, but in a smaller role. At 25, White's prime is only beginning. Overall, trading for White would give the Timberwolves more championship upside and could be the move that gets them over the hump.
Why the Bulls might trade White
Currently, White is on a one-year $12 million contract. He is an unrestricted free agent next summer and will likely command a hefty payday. The Bulls can only offer him a four-year, $81 million extension before he enters free agency. As a result, the Bulls may look to trade White and get some real value in return for him. This would be logical as the Bulls look to rebuild, and they'll likely be paying Josh Giddey a significant contract this summer.
What would White's price be?
While trading for White would come with a price, he would undoubtedly be cheaper than Durant or Garland. A trade could be centered around Donte DiVincenzo and the 17th pick, or a young player like Terrence Shannon Jr. or Rob Dillingham. Undoubtedly, DiVincenzo is a vital presence for the Wolves off the bench, and moving off young talent could be painful. Nevertheless, that's the price you have to pay to land an All-Star-level guard.
Retaining Jaden McDaniels is crucial given his two-way value. However, by trading for Durant or Garland, keeping McDaniels would be unlikely. Trading for White gives the Wolves a chance to upgrade their roster for a somewhat cheap price. It would also allow the Wolves to retain Randle and Reid.
Despite his clear fit and price, trading for White isn't a no-brainer. While his contract is amazing value this year, the Wolves would have to pay him next offseason. White's contract would likely exceed $30 million per year. Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, McDaniels, and Randle (assuming they re-sign him) all make more than $30 million annually.
Perhaps the Wolves can find a way to shed salary by trading Gobert, or they are confident they can re-sign White to a team-friendly deal. Regardless, in the second-apron era, White's future contract needs to be considered. The Wolves' confidence in their young talent will also be a key factor. Ultimately, White is a clear fit with the Timberwolves, and they should certainly pursue him this offseason, but they'll have to be mindful of several factors.