Phoenix Suns acquire Bulls duo
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White has shown promise over his three-year career, averaging over 13 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists across a 195-game career. But with just one-year left on his rookie deal, could the Bulls look to move on from White should they not wish to pay him.
The number seven overall pick in 2019, White is set to make $7.4 million in 2022-23. While the salaries don’t line up, Chicago could throw in Tony Bradley to equate to Shamet’s contract. Phoenix wouldn’t really have a need for him but his minimum deal would be easy to waive if needed.
Given White holds the most value of players involved, Phoenix may have to throw in a second-round pick or a highly-protected first-rounder to make the deal happen.
What’s the motivation for Chicago?
The Bulls already have a young point-guard in place, despite the injury concerns around Lonzo Ball. Therefore, how much are they really going to be willing to pay White should he enter restricted free agency next offseason?
Acquiring Shamet would give them an asset under contract for multiple years. From a playing standpoint, he would add a shooting element to a team that finished with the least amount of three-point attempts in the league last season.
What’s the motivation for Phoenix?
After the struggles of Cameron Payne in the playoffs, the Suns have a need for a backup point-guard behind Chris Paul. White could fit into that role while maintaining some serious upside as a 22-year-old.
If things went really well, he could provide an option as the successor to Paul in that position. That’s an opportunity he simply won’t get in Chicago with Ball in place. White could be an immediate scoring punch for a Suns team that finished 18th in bench scoring last season.