Bulls Guard Coby White Declines Extension Amid Injury Uncertainty

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White has declined multiple contract extension offers from the team, opting to wait until he becomes a free agent next summer to seek a deal that meets his financial expectations. White is entering the final year of his three-year, $36 million contract, and current NBA extension rules cap possible extensions at about $19.8 million per season, which is significantly less than White's reported $30 million annual asking price. Despite this contract impasse, White remains a key part of the Bulls' roster and is expected to play a primary role following his career-high average of 20.4 points per game last season. However, his availability for the upcoming season is uncertain due to a calf strain suffered in August, with the team cautiously limiting his workload during training camp and preseason. Bulls executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas expressed hope that White will return by the end of the preseason, though his readiness for the season opener is not guaranteed. The Bulls face a crowded guard rotation and must decide midseason whether to trade White or commit to a substantial contract after evaluating his performance and health.