Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams was the franchise's prized possession not too long ago, but it now looks like he might be on the outs. The Bulls' fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft is rumored to be the apple of the Oklahoma City Thunder's eye.
The Thunder reportedly love the 6-foot-7, 215-pounder's size, via The Athletic's Darnell Mayberry.
“Soon comes the moment of truth,” Mayberry said. “If the Bulls have seen enough of the Williams experiment, one team that has great interest, a league source said, is Oklahoma City. The Thunder need more size, and they have an army of draft picks that can sweeten the pot for the Bulls if a sign-and-trade emerges in July.”
Williams was a decent rotational piece for Chicago before going down with a season-ending foot injury. The 22-year-old registered 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists a game with a 44.3% shooting clip across 43 games.
However, that's not quite enough production for a top-five pick. That's why the Bulls are willing to bring him back, but only up to a certain price.
“A league source said the Bulls offered Williams a contract north of $16 million annually when the two sides were negotiating last fall,” Mayberry continued. “That will now be the number to beat for Williams, who is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. But because a season-ending foot injury in January limited Williams to 43 games, he didn’t get the chance to prove his value to be higher.”
Restricted free agents can sign an offer sheet with any team, but their original squad can retain them by matching that offer.
Will Williams stick it out in the Windy City, or will he head for greener pastures?
Don't be surprised if the Thunder miss out on Williams…for now
Typically, general managers are more attached to the players they draft. That's why Artūras Karnišovas, Chicago's front office leader, may be inclined to run it back with Williams for at least one more year.
“How much the Bulls value Williams will now be fascinating to watch play out,” Mayberry said. “He was Karnišovas’ first draft selection, picking him fourth in 2020. The front office and coaching staff have supported, and at times defended, Williams through everything from ineffective play to injuries.”
This sometimes can be detrimental, as team executives can be in denial about their draft failures. However, Williams is still young, so he still has time to ascend.
The Florida State alum also expressed interest after his injury, via NBC Sports' K.J. Johnson.
“Williams said he doesn’t know how his restricted free agency will play out but he’d welcome a return to the Bulls,” Johnson tweeted on February 24th.
However, if the Thunder offer $20 million or more per year, that could be too rich for the Bulls' blood. Chicago will keep their price limit close to the vest, so Oklahoma City may have to take its best guess on what will be a high enough number to lure him away.
If Williams does join the Thunder, though, he could create a tantalizing tandem with fellow big man Chet Holmgren.
Follow Us
Subscribe