Bulls unwilling to trade Patrick Williams, but Coby White is available for 'right upgrade'?

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a fairly devastating blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors this week, but they are still 27-13 on the year and look very much to be a legit Eastern Conference contender.

As a result, naturally, the front office is looking to see what additional tweaks can be made to ensure that this group can compete with the likes of Kevin Durant’s Brooklyn Nets or Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks.

Because trades are a two-way street, Chicago also has to be willing to part with someone of value in order to make something happen.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there is currently one promising young talent the Bulls are willing to part with if it means upgrading the roster as a whole.

“Chicago is open to upgrading their roster but doesn’t want to part with Patrick Williams,” Scotto said. “However, Coby White is available for the right upgrade, according to rival executives.

“To me, I’d go all in if I’m Chicago. DeMar DeRozan is playing at an MVP-caliber level, and with Kyrie Irving unable to currently play in road games, and Brook Lopez dealing with a major back injury for the Bucks, this could be their window to come out of the East. If I’m Chicago and I think Jerami Grant, for example, is that x-factor to get the team over the hump and also retain him next season, I’d strongly consider moving Williams to do it.”

It’s worth remembering, this isn’t the first time White has been linked to a trade. He was previously considered to be a crucial part of a potential swap between the Bulls and Washington Wizards. Same with a separate proposed deal between the Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers.

So far this year, White is averaging 12.1 points per game, which is down from the 15.1 points per game he was putting up last year, but doing so more efficiently (46.6 percent vs. 41.6 percent from the field.) When you factor in the influx of talent Chicago brought in, his numbers are still quite impressive.

Big picture, it will be interesting to see if the Bulls are able to get something done. Trading White away is less than ideal for the future, but in the now there’s probably a guy better-suited to help them win a title.