Why Coby white Contact extension seems unlikely.

Salary Cap Constraints White is entering the final year of his three-year, $36 million deal, with a salary of $12.9 million for the 2025–26 season. Under NBA rules, the Bulls can only offer him a 140% raise on his current salary for an extension, which amounts to approximately $18 million per year. This figure is significantly below market value for a player of White’s caliber, making an extension this summer financially unfeasible.

Rising Performance and Market Value

White has emerged as a primary scoring option for the Bulls, especially after the trade of Zach Levine. He averaged 24.5 points per game after the All-Star break and was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month in March 2025. Given his performance, White is expected to seek a contract worth at least $40 million per year when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

Organizational Challenges

The Bulls’ front office faces the challenge of balancing cap space and roster construction. While they have the potential to offer White a substantial contract in 2026, they must also consider other financial commitments and team-building strategies.

Conclusion

Given the salary cap constraints and White’s increasing market value, a contract extension this summer is unlikely. The Bulls may need to explore other avenues, such as facilitating a trade, to address their roster needs while managing financial considerations.