Patrick Williams, chosen fourth overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2020 NBA Draft, has struggled to meet the expectations tied to his high selection. Despite signing a five-year, $90 million contract effective last season, Williams has yet to secure a stable role within coach Billy Donovan’s rotation, raising questions about his future with the team.

As the Bulls continue to integrate younger players into their lineup, Williams’ role appears increasingly uncertain. NBA analyst Enzo Flojo from ClutchPoints speculates that Williams could soon be available for trade. At 23 years old and standing 6-foot-7, Williams’s physical attributes and 39.2% career three-point shooting accuracy make him an intriguing option for teams willing to gamble on his development.

Williams still has the frame and a career 39.2 percent mark from three to intrigue other teams,

Flojo noted.

But in Chicago, he’s never found the right balance between passivity and over-aggression. He’s 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.

—Enzo Flojo, NBA Analyst

Moving Williams in a trade could help the Bulls clear some positional logjams, allowing more minutes for players aligned with the team’s current trajectory. Over 276 regular-season games with Chicago, Williams has averaged 9.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, shooting 39.7% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range.

Josh Giddey’s Contract Talks Take Center Stage for the Bulls

Securing Josh Giddey’s future remains the Bulls’ primary focus as the guard approaches restricted free agency this summer. Although negotiations are ongoing, a finalized contract agreement has yet to be reached. Addressing Giddey’s status is seen as a prerequisite for the team before making final decisions about Williams.

Reports suggest Giddey and the Bulls are close to finalizing a long-term contract, possibly spanning three years. NBA Insider Brett Siegel recently shared insights on the progress, explaining,

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.

—Brett Siegel, NBA Insider

The Bulls’ official offer remains near a $20 million annual average value, while independent agents estimate the total deal could fall between $65 million and $70 million. Giddey’s performance has made him a crucial part of the Bulls’ future plans.

During conversations at the Las Vegas Summer League, an anonymous front office executive underscored the organization’s commitment to Giddey. The executive stated,

We want to get a deal done with Josh,

and added,

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.

—Anonymous Front Office Executive

Implications for the Bulls and Next Steps

With the NBA season still several months away, the Bulls have some leeway in negotiating Giddey’s contract, but an early agreement is preferred to solidify the roster. Successfully locking in Giddey’s long-term deal will allow the team to move forward confidently in managing Williams’ uncertain future and other roster decisions.

Williams’ potential trade could free up playing time and salary space, enabling the Bulls to better position themselves for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, a finalized commitment to Giddey strengthens the Bulls’ building block for growth, reinforcing the organization’s focus on blending emerging talent with strategic roster moves.