The Golden State Warriors’ early playoff exit in 2025 has sparked a flurry of trade rumors as the team looks to retool around Stephen Curry. One name generating buzz is Chicago Bulls guard Coby White, a dynamic 25-year-old scorer who could address Golden State’s offensive woes. However, while White’s explosive scoring and affordable contract make him an enticing target, his addition could exacerbate a long-standing issue under coach Steve Kerr: an overreliance on small, guard-heavy lineups that have frustrated fans for years. Could White be the key to unlocking the Warriors’ offense, or would his arrival create more problems than it solves? Let’s break down the trade idea and its implications for Golden State’s future.

1. The Case for Coby White: A Solution to Golden State’s Offensive Struggles

Since trading Jordan Poole for Chris Paul in 2023, the Warriors have lacked a true shot-creating guard to complement Stephen Curry. The offense often stagnates when Curry is off the floor, a problem exacerbated by the absence of a dynamic scorer in the backcourt. Enter Coby White, who has emerged as a legitimate offensive threat for the Chicago Bulls. In the 2024-25 season, White averaged 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, shooting 45.3% from the field and an impressive 37% from three on nearly eight attempts per game. His ability to create his own shot and stretch defenses would provide the Warriors with the firepower they’ve been missing.

White’s contract adds to his appeal. At just $12 million for the 2025-26 season—the final year of his deal—he’s a cost-effective addition for a Warriors team facing luxury tax constraints. According to Anthony Slater on the Warriors Plus-Minus podcast, a hypothetical trade could see Golden State send young wing Moses Moody and a future first-round pick to Chicago. For the Bulls, who are in a stagnant rebuild and may hesitate to pay both White and Josh Giddey big extensions in 2027, this deal offers a promising young player in Moody and valuable draft capital. For Golden State, White could be the spark needed to keep their championship window open.

2. The Steve Kerr Problem: Too Many Guards, Too Little Size

While White’s offensive upside is undeniable, his addition would complicate an already crowded backcourt. The Warriors have Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, and Buddy Hield locked in for next season, all of whom demand significant minutes. Adding White as a fourth guard would create a logjam, forcing Kerr to lean on the three-guard lineups that have long frustrated fans. These small lineups, often featuring Curry alongside other undersized guards, have exposed Golden State’s defensive vulnerabilities and rebounding weaknesses, particularly against bigger, more physical teams.

The Warriors’ front office has reportedly prioritized adding size in the frontcourt this offseason, with names like Lauri Markkanen and Brandon Ingram linked to the team. White, at 6’4” and 195 pounds, doesn’t address this need. Instead, his arrival could lead to more of the same Kerr tendencies—prioritizing speed and shooting over physicality—that have cost Golden State in recent playoff runs. As Marcus Thompson II noted on the podcast, acquiring White might require a subsequent trade to balance the roster, potentially involving Podziemski or Hield. This additional move would be critical to avoiding an imbalanced lineup that struggles against elite competition.

3. Trade Feasibility: A Low-Cost Gamble with High Stakes

The proposed trade—Moody and a protected first-round pick for White—is relatively low-cost for a player of White’s caliber. Moody, a former lottery pick, has shown flashes of potential but has struggled to secure a consistent role in Golden State’s rotation. A future first-round pick, especially if protected, is a reasonable price for a 25-year-old guard coming off a career-best season. For the Bulls, who are stuck in mediocrity with no clear path forward, this deal provides assets to build around or flip in future trades.

However, the Warriors must weigh the long-term implications. White is set to hit free agency in 2026 and will likely command a significant extension, potentially in the $25-30 million per year range. Golden State’s already hefty payroll, with Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins under big contracts, could make retaining White challenging. If the Warriors view him as a short-term rental to boost their 2025-26 campaign, the trade makes sense. But without a follow-up move to address their frontcourt needs, the deal risks creating more questions than answers.

4. Strategic Considerations: Balancing Now and the Future

The Warriors are at a crossroads. At 37, Curry remains a superstar, but his championship window is narrowing. The team must maximize his prime while planning for life after him. White’s youth and scoring ability make him a bridge between these eras, capable of carrying the offense now and growing into a cornerstone later. However, his fit alongside Curry, Podziemski, and Hield raises concerns about redundancy. Could Kerr stagger their minutes effectively, or would the lack of size undermine the team’s defensive identity?

A smarter approach might be to pair the White acquisition with a trade involving Podziemski or Hield for a versatile frontcourt player. For example, moving Podziemski and additional assets for a power forward like Kyle Kuzma could complement White’s scoring while addressing Golden State’s size issues. Without such a move, the Warriors risk doubling down on a flawed strategy, leaving fans to endure more of Kerr’s small-ball experiments.

The idea of Coby White joining the Golden State Warriors is tantalizing, offering a solution to their offensive struggles with a dynamic, cost-effective guard. However, his arrival could amplify Steve Kerr’s frustrating reliance on small, guard-heavy lineups, creating a roster imbalance that hinders Golden State’s championship aspirations. The proposed trade—Moody and a first-round pick—is a low-risk gamble, but it demands a follow-up move to address the team’s need for size. As the Warriors navigate this pivotal offseason, the question remains: can they integrate White without repeating past mistakes, or will this trade deepen their existing flaws? Share your thoughts in the comments—should Golden State pull the trigger on Coby White?