The Chicago Bulls appear to be shifting their strategy regarding Patrick Williams, the team's former fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. According to a recent report from Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Arturas Karnisovas, the Bulls' executive vice president of basketball operations, is open to the possibility of trading the young forward during his fifth season in the league.
"He’s a player who is not showing the commitment we expected from him at this point in his career," a source close to the team revealed. The uncertainty surrounding Williams' future reflects a broader concern within the Bulls' organization, primarily due to the stagnation in his development over recent years.
While Williams had a promising rookie season, averaging 9.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 71 games, his performance has dipped since then. The 23-year-old has yet to surpass 10.2 points per game in any of the following seasons, a statistic that has raised eyebrows among Bulls coaches. In fact, this season, he is averaging a career-low 3.8 rebounds per game.
“Consistency has been an issue for him and, unfortunately, it’s affecting everyone around him,” said a member of the coaching staff who wished to remain anonymous.
Compounding matters for the Bulls is Williams' injury history. His second season was severely impacted when he dislocated his wrist just five games in, leading to him missing all but 17 games. Additionally, injuries cut short his 2023-24 campaign, which ended in January because of a stress reaction in his left foot, limiting his ability to establish rhythm and chemistry on the court.
As the team weighs its options, some analysts suggest that trading a player of Williams' potential might not be an easy endeavor. The Bulls re-signed him to a substantial five-year, $90 million contract in July, which includes an $18 million player option for the final season in 2028-29. This financial commitment adds complexity to any potential trade talks.
“This is a move that has to be carefully considered,” noted an NBA analyst. “Williams is still young and has shown flashes of his potential. However, the team needs to prioritize winning now, and if they feel he’s not contributing, they might have to explore the market, despite the contract.”
One significant statistic this season highlights Williams' struggles: he is among just two players with at least 30 starts in the 2024-25 season and a two-point field-goal percentage below 40%. The only other player in this concerning category is Mike Conley of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As discussions continue within the Bulls’ front office, the team's coaches hope to see a change in Williams' approach. "We need him to engage and take ownership of his role,” stated another source within the organization. “If he can do that, there is still hope for his future here. If not, we have to explore other options.”
With the NBA trade deadline looming, the coming weeks will be crucial for Williams and the Bulls. The organization must decide whether to hold onto the former No. 4 pick in hopes of turning his career around or to enter negotiations with other teams in search of a trade that could better serve their current roster.
As the situation develops, the basketball community watches closely, knowing well that Williams' next steps may define not only his future but also that of the Bulls as they seek to return to playoff contention.