Patrick Williams returning to Chicago on a five-year, $90 million deal, according to our Shams Charania, could soon look like another team-friendly contract for the Bulls. But it’s up to Williams to prove it by outplaying his contract.
Williams, the fourth pick in the 2020 draft, certainly has all the potential to outperform.
With the departure of Alex Caruso, Williams becomes the Bulls’ best defender and two-way player. But the Bulls have had to remain patient with Williams through injuries and inconsistent play. At his best, Williams is a prototypical, big wing defender who can knock down spot-up 3s at the other end.
What the Bulls can’t afford is for Williams, still considered a major building block, to stagnate. Williams must prove he can stay healthy, rebound with more consistency and find his footing in the offensive flow more effectively.
And the runway for Williams might be clearing in Chicago.
Williams’ return, along with the Bulls’ acquisition of Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis, this year’s 11th overall pick, could signal the end of DeMar DeRozan’s three-year tenure in Chicago. DeRozan, who turns 35 this summer, is an unrestricted free agent. The Bulls’ sudden youth movement no longer screams “win now.”
