Patrick Williams is no longer a part of the Bulls' future, but it would be incredibly difficult for the franchise to move on from him. How should Chicago move forward with its former No. 4 overall pick?
The Bulls have an intriguing roster ahead of the 2026-27 season. Top draft picks Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue and Matas Buzelis will look to provide a glimpse of hope for the future of the franchise. Still-young players like Josh Giddey, Leonard Miller and Rob Dillingham are aiming to show why they're a part of the long-term core as well. Tenured veterans like Norman Powell, Tre Jones, Jalen Smith and Zach Collins have the opportunity to increase their trade value and land on a contending team at the deadline after mentoring the youthful Bulls.
Most players on the roster fit into one of those roles, but Patrick Williams appears to be stuck in no man's land. The Bulls' former No. 4 overall pick is still just 24 years old — only 14 months older than Giddey — yet Williams' future with the team seems set in stone. His albatross of a contract is likely the only reason why Williams is still on Chicago's roster.
Last season, Williams fell out of Billy Donovan's rotation amid a career-worst year. He averaged 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 40.7% on two-pointers and 34.7% on threes, each of which was his lowest mark since being drafted in 2020.
With the front office that drafted him now gone and the franchise hitting the reset button, all signs would point to Williams' departure from the team. There's just one problem: the fully guaranteed $90 million contract extension that Williams signed in 2024, which keeps him in Chicago through 2029.
Jun 17, 2026; Chicago, Il, USA; Chicago Bulls forwardPatrickWilliams(L) and forward-guard Isaac Okoro (R) attend new Chicago Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter press conference at Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The Bulls undoubtedly would've traded Williams during their deadline fire sale in February if they could have. Williams still being a part of the roster today makes it clear that no other teams wanted to acquire him unless the Bulls attached valuable assets to the deal, which would've been senseless for the rebuilding team.
So, Patrick Williams is stuck with the Bulls for the foreseeable future. Aside from sending him down to the G League, what can the Bulls actually do?
Playing Williams heavy minutes in an attempt to recoup his trade value is an option, though not a good one. Okoro should have more playing time by virtue of being a better shooter and defender, and if everything breaks right, a strong first half of the season could result in the Bulls receiving a decent trade package for the 25-year-old on an expiring contract. Meanwhile, Miller proved he has a high ceiling after playing more minutes in the 27 games he spent in Chicago last season than the three years he was in Minnesota. Finding out how good Miller actually is should be a priority for the Bulls.
Buying out Williams' contract is also not a realistic option, as he is owed $54 million more over the next three seasons. Paying him that money outright would remove any flexibility the Bulls could use to take on other bad contracts with draft assets attached, as well as put Chicago right up against the second apron. If the Bulls wanted to waive Williams and stretch out his salary over the next three seasons instead, it would free up a roster spot, but he would count the exact same against the salary cap as if he were on the team anyway.
Williams has fallen short of the expectations that come with being a top-five draft pick. However, he is still likely a better basketball player than whoever the Bulls would scrape off of waivers to replace him.
Feb 5, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forwardPatrickWilliams(44) scores a basket against Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Trying to solve the Patrick Williams debacle is a lost cause, especially when we have no idea how good Wilson, Swain and Essengue really are. If the Bulls somehow become contenders in the next two years behind their young core, then the team could consider maximizing its roster by moving on from Williams. But for now, Chicago is best served by keeping Williams as a depth piece if necessary.
After all, injuries come out of nowhere every day in the NBA. Williams has also had his moments, like a 20-7-6 outing against the Wizards where he shot 4-of-6 from deep, and is just two years removed from shooting 40% from beyond the arc.
Acting like Williams is still a developmental prospect with star potential won't get the Bulls anywhere, and they absolutely should not prioritize playing him significant minutes. But anything can happen in the NBA, and it shouldn't be shocking if Williams finds his way into rotational playing time at some point during the year.
