White says contract talks with Bulls were quiet ahead of Monday's deadline
It sounds like a contract extension for Coby White was nonnegotiable. As in, there were no negotiations going on with the Bulls leading up to Monday's deadline.
"I wasn't really focused on that," White said Tuesday at the Advocate Center. "Just play this year out. I put in a lot of work this summer, so let my work show, take it from there."
White will be a restricted free agent next summer and could also be subjected to trade talks before the deadline. Asked if his agent ever came to him with "the Bulls are offering this much," White said no.
"No, we didn't really have talks about it," he said. "I'm just here to do my job. I love being here, I love my teammates. I'm excited for the season, it should be a good one for us and we put in a lot of work. We're hoping it will pay off."
Passing on a contract extension sets off cliches like "he's betting on himself," but White doesn't see it that way.
"I'm a carefree guy, so I just take everything as it comes and go with the flow," he said. "I put in a lot of work this summer. I'm going to trust my work. I love playing basketball, that's all the motivation I need. I love hooping."
White feels like he's had a full offseason for the first time since the pandemic shut things down in 2020 and he had surgery to repair a torn labrum last year.
During his three seasons with the Bulls, White's role has bounced between starting point guard and a shooter off the bench. He's expected to be part of the promising second unit with Goran Dragic, Alex Caruso, Andre Drummond and Javonte Green.
Last season he averaged 12.7 points, the lowest of his career, and shot 38.5% from 3-point range, the best of his career. Asked if he has a handle on his role heading into this season, White kept it basic.
"Just be a basketball player," he said. "Play to my strengths, do everything I can do. When the ball's in my hands, make a play. When it's not, be ready to shoot, defend. Nothing really changed for me. I'm used to playing a variety of roles at this point.
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