NBA Rumors: Bulls, Coby White, Pelicans, Hawks, Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bulls

Bulls guard Coby White is leaning into perspective as trade rumors continue to swirl.

“You’ve got to always look at it like it’s good to be wanted,” White told Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune. “But I don’t really know what’s going to happen. I don’t have any clue.”

White added that his priority remains seeing everyone around him succeed, regardless of the direction the Bulls choose.

“I just want to see everybody succeed,” he said. “Whatever direction they decide to go in or they’re deciding to go in, I want all these guys to succeed. I got drafted here, so I want the organization to succeed. I hope it works out for them, whatever they decide.”

As the February 5 deadline approaches, White’s name continues to circulate in league chatter, placing Chicago at an interesting crossroads.

Pelicans

Securing a 2026 first-round pick is a clear objective for the Pelicans ahead of the deadline, according to Will Guillory of The Athletic, confirming earlier reporting from ClutchPoints and The Stein Line.

The Pelicans no longer control their own 2026 first after sending it to Atlanta last summer in the Derik Queen deal, making outside draft capital a priority. Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herbert Jones are considered off limits, narrowing the pool of potential trade pieces.

That has placed some focus on Yves Missi. Guillory notes the Pelicans are not eager to move the second-year center and still believe in his upside, including the possibility of experimenting more with frontcourt lineups featuring Missi alongside Queen.

Still, there have been “whispers” around the league regarding Missi’s desire to be in a situation where he can start full-time. After making 67 starts as a rookie, he has mostly come off the bench this season.

Hawks

Atlanta is not expected to enter the Giannis Antetokounmpo chase.

Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line report the Hawks have not positioned themselves as a serious suitor and intend to maintain a long-term approach.

That aligns with reporting from Sam Amick of The Athletic, who said Atlanta officials have been signaling they are not involved.

Jalen Johnson and Atlanta’s most favorable 2026 first-round pick, either the Pelicans or Bucks selection, are viewed as premium assets. However, the Hawks are reportedly unwilling to move either and have expressed reservations about the on-court fit between Antetokounmpo and Johnson.

In other words, Atlanta appears committed to patience rather than a headline-grabbing swing.