CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Hornets reportedly agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bulls. They will acquire guards Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. The Hornets will send guard Collin Sexton, forward Ousmane Dieng, and three future second-round picks. Multiple reports confirmed the agreement. The Hornets will send veteran center Mason Plumlee to Oklahoma City to complete the deal.
Why Hornets Added Coby White From Bulls In Three-Team Trade
Trade Details
Hornets receive:
• Coby White (via Bulls)
• Mike Conley Jr. (via Bulls)
• Future second-round pick (via Thunder)
Bulls receive:
• Collin Sexton (via Hornets)
• Ousmane Dieng (via Thunder)
• Three future second-round picks (via Hornets)
Thunder receive:
• Mason Plumlee (via Hornets)
Hornets Add Backcourt Help
Charlotte have not acted as deadline buyers in years. The Hornets finally made a move to support winning by trading for Coby White. He was the longest-tenured Bull and was in his seventh season after Chicago selected him seventh overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
White turns 26 on Feb. 16. He is in the final year of a three-year, $36 million rookie extension. He averaged a career-high 20.4 points last season. A calf strain in August forced him to miss training camp. He rejoined Chicago’s lineup in mid-November and has dealt with lingering calf issues after returning. In 29 games, he averages a team-high 19 points. He also adds four rebounds and five assists. He shoots 43.8 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from three.
Charlotte have surged in the East over the last month. The Hornets acquired Coby White as a backcourt upgrade. Sexton will hit free agency this offseason. The Hornets swapped him for White, another incoming free agent. White should become the perfect backup for LaMelo Ball. He could also draw spot starts. White plays both on and off the ball so should complement whoever he shares the floor with.
Bulls Shift Direction
The Bulls brought in several new guards so trading Coby White became inevitable. GM Artūras Karnišovas continued his asset reshaping on Wednesday afternoon, making another deal for young players and draft capital.
The Bulls preserved financial flexibility with this move. Both Sexton and Dieng are on expiring contracts. Sexton will likely walk in the coming months if the Bulls do not flip him again. The Bulls could look to re-sign Dieng.
Ultimately, this deal boils down to three second-round picks for White. That return disappoints many. Reports suggested the Bulls sought a first-round pick for weeks. White is expected to command a significant payday this offseason. Chicago waited too long to move him because he is worth more than three second-round picks.
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