The Bulls' Coby White is the most recent rumored trade target for the Pistons, but he doesn't fit into Detroit's system due to his defensive weaknesses. The Pistons have repeatedly shown a preference for players who compete on defense, which does not apply to White. White has never been a strong defender in his NBA career, and it's hurt both his individual impact and team record.
Coby White's defense has hurt Chicago in a major way
The Bulls are in the midst of yet another middling season. They find themselves in the all-too-familiar 10th seed in the East. White's lack of growth from previous seasons, especially on the defensive end, has played a major role. Like the Pistons' own Jaden Ivey, White has struggled to find his footing this season since returning from an injury that sidelined him for the first month.
On paper, White is a talented offensive player whose shot making both on and off the dribble could elevate the Pistons. But in reality, White has slipped offensively as well. After averaging 20 points last season on solid efficiency, White is down to just 18 a game this season. More concerning is the drop in his outside shot; his 3-point percentage is down to just 31.5% this season.
With how he's been playing recently, it's unclear how much of an upgrade White would even be over Jaden Ivey. If he were to find his way onto the Pistons in exchange for Ivey, White could often find himself sidelined in favor of other guards. For example, Marcus Sasser and Daniss Jenkins have both been shooting the ball better this season - and they compete much harder on defense.
White is also in a precarious contract situation that could make him a one-year rental. He's on the last year of his current deal and seeking a big extension in the summer. Before the season started, there were even rumors that he would seek a similar deal to current teammate Josh Giddey, who got 4 years and $100 million.
The Pistons will certainly be hesitant to offer such a deal to a player they only see for half a season. Unless he's able to take them to the next level instantly, it'll be hard for White to make an emphatic case for his next contract in Detroit.
The Pistons front office has been known for being conservative recently, including holding off on big trades and declining to extend Ivey or Jalen Duren last offseason. Considering this approach, it's very unlikely to see them making a trade for Coby White. Not only would White's addition potentially shake things up for the worse this season, but his future negotiations would also throw a wrinkle in Detroit's team-building.