The Chicago Bulls have one simple mission this offseason: Develop an improved roster and entice superstar Zach LaVine to stick around. This might not be the easiest task, as the Bulls already have a star-studded cast of players. However, a rumored trade for Rudy Gobert could be just what Chicago ordered.
Chicago is interested in trading for the Utah Jazz defensive anchor, per Kevin O'Connor. Gobert's unmatched interior presence could work wonders for the Bulls next season. The Bulls are determined to swap Nikola Vucevic for Gobert, but reports claim that the Jazz are bargaining to add Patrick Williams in return.
Although Williams may seal the deal on Gobert, the Bulls need to be careful. Moving too big, too quick could enable the team to implode sooner than later. Here are two reasons Chicago should hold off on moving on from Williams:
Younger and cheaper
Despite Gobert's talents, Williams may just be the better value in the current market. That's not to say Gobert doesn't bring value to an NBA team. The three-time defensive player of the year has accomplished enough to speak to his abilities. However, concerns around Gobert include his potential liability on offense, especially for a 29-year-old making $42.4 million over the next four seasons.
Meanwhile, Williams turns 21 in August. He'll make 9.8 million this season and will be eligible for a 12.9 million qualifying offer as a restricted free agent next summer. The Bulls can keep Williams around for a while before he earns a larger contract.
Once again, Gobert's resume obviously stands above Williams' at this point. If the Bulls want to pay the Frenchman's salary, they can afford to do so. However, if Chicago prefers to maintain flexibility by keeping some free cao space for future targets, Williams is the better option..
Potential, potential, potential
Beyond fiscal value, Williams has a lot to offer the Bulls in years ahead. In two seasons, the former Florida State Seminole has averaged nine points, 4.1 rebounds to go with half a steal and half a block per game. His numbers don't jump off the page, and they plateau in his sophomore season, but there is more than meets the eye with Williams.
His effective field goal percentage was 60.3% last season on just six shots per game. He has the potential to be a very efficient scorer if given more touches on the offensive end. Williams' offensive game isn't even the best part of his upside.
Williams has the base to be a prototypical two-way stud. He's long, athletic and has potential to defend guards, wings and bigs alike. He's struggled with getting beat off the dribble early on, but could be incredibly effective in future seasons once he find his footing.
At the end of the day, the Bulls may decide that Gobert's proven ability outweighs the potential of Williams. However, the upside on a cheap contract, as well as watching “built-not-bought” teams like the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors in the Finals could sway Chicago into keeping Williams.
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