Bulls’ $90 Million Forward Tabbed For Potential In-Season Trade

 Patrick Williams has been with the Chicago Bulls since they selected him with the fourth-overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. Unfortunately, Williams has failed to show the development Chicago was hoping for.

Despite inking him to a five-year $90 million contract that kicked in last season, Williams has failed to secure a key role within Billy Donovan’s rotation. Now, as the Bulls continue to add fresh young talent, Williams’ role within the Bulls rotation is far from clear.

As such, Enzo Flojo of ClutchPoints believes that Williams could emerge as an in-season trade candidate for the Bulls. Flojo envisions another team being willing to gamble that Williams could still reach his potential if given a new situation to thrive in. After all, the 6-foot-7 forward is still only 23 years old.

“At just 23, Williams still has the frame and a career 39.2 percent mark from three to intrigue other teams,” Flojo wrote. “But in Chicago, he’s never found the right balance between passivity and over-aggression…Williams is likely a negative-value asset right now due to his contract and stalled development. Still, rival GMs could see him as a low-risk reclamation project with upside. For the Bulls, moving him could clear positional logjams and refocus minutes toward players more aligned with their timeline.”

Williams has played in 276 regular-season games for the Bulls, averaging 9.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He’s shot 39.7% from the field and 35.3% from deep.

Bulls Likely to Re-Sign Josh Giddey

The Bulls must secure the long-term future of Josh Giddey. The talented guard is a restricted free agent this summer, but is yet to reach an agreement over a new deal. Only then can the front office begin to decide how best to move forward with Williams. Of course, if he shows a marked improvement, the front office could decide to continue developing him.

The Bulls and Giddey’s camp are working toward a contract resolution. At least, that’s what NBA Insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints recently reported.

“Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls are expected to reach a resolution on a new contract, likely in the three-year range, by the end of August,” Siegel reported. “The Bulls could increase their offer, but they have stood firm on keeping a new deal in the $20 million AAV range. The latest speculation from agents not involved in negotiations suggests something in the $65 million to $70 million range.”

Giddey has proven himself to be a core part of what the Bulls are trying to build. It makes sense that he’s their sole focus at present.

Bulls Are Keen to Re-Sign Giddey

An anonymous front office executive recently revealed the Bulls’ desire to secure a deal with Giddey. His comments came via a conversation Keith Smith of Spotrac at Las Vegas Summer League.

“We want to get a deal done with Josh,” The executive said. “He’s as important of a player as we have. We see him as a foundational player for us. I hope we can find a deal that makes sense for us and him and that we’ll be together for a long time.”

Fortunately for the Bulls, there are still months until the new season begins. As such, there’s no major rush to secure an agreement with Giddey and his camp. However, the sooner a deal can be reached, the better it will be for all parties involved.