Timberwolves Target Coby White in Ambitious Point Guard Quest
The Minnesota Timberwolves have set their sights on a potential savior in the form of Coby White, the seventh overall pick from the 2019 NBA Draft currently with the Chicago Bulls. Timberwolves president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, is reportedly keen on acquiring a point guard, as the team grapples with ongoing challenges at the position. Longtime Chicago sports insider Joe Cowley has shed light on the situation, indicating that the Timberwolves are “big-game hunting for a point guard.”
Urgency in Decision-Making
According to Cowley, the Timberwolves are eager to make a move before the February trade deadline. It appears that the team is not willing to wait much longer to address their primary ball-handling predicament, which has plagued them throughout the season. Cowley noted that a source relayed, “time is of the essence in the Bulls making a decision,” highlighting the urgency surrounding this potential trade.
Despite the Timberwolves’ interest, Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations, Arturas Karnisovas, is reportedly hesitant to dismantle the current roster. As Cowley put it, “Maybe soon, but not yet,” reflecting a cautious approach from the Bulls’ front office.
Coby White’s Performance and Fit
White has only recently returned to the court after missing the start of the season due to a calf injury. In the six games he has played, he has made a significant impact, averaging 23.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.0 rebounds with an overall shooting percentage of 44.4%, including 32.7% from beyond the arc. His performance last season was also commendable, as he averaged 20.4 points with a three-point shooting percentage of 37%.
For the Timberwolves, adding White could be transformative. The current lineup has been starting games without a natural point guard, often relying on veterans like Mike Conley, who is 38, coming off the bench. Instead, they have turned to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to initiate their offense, with Edwards and Julius Randle at the forefront during half-court sets.
Possible Trade Packages Emerge
Cowley speculated on potential trade scenarios involving White. One possibility could include a package featuring DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr., and a future draft pick. Bill Simmons recently highlighted a hypothetical Timberwolves-Bulls trade, focusing on a deal centered around DiVincenzo and rookie Rob Dillingham.
However, acquiring White comes with its complexities. He is set to command a substantial contract in free agency next summer, meaning Minnesota would need to negotiate an extension to prevent a half-season rental situation.
Defensive Considerations
While DiVincenzo is considered one of the best value contracts in the league at $12 million this season (increasing to $12.5 million in 2026-27), trading him could impact Minnesota’s defensive capabilities. White’s defensive rating over the past three seasons has fluctuated between 113.9 and 115.8, while DiVincenzo boasts a defensive rating of 112.0 this season, following a noteworthy 109.1 rating in 2024-25.
The Timberwolves find themselves in a precarious position regarding their point guard situation, and the pursuit of Coby White represents both an opportunity and a challenge. If they aim to be “big-game hunting” in the point guard market, they must weigh the value of their current assets carefully, as White may be the most attainable option available.
