Much like a few of his teammates on the Chicago Bulls, Patrick Williams has had to deal with a double whammy.Overcoming injuries that have kept him down at times, as well asrumors of being traded.
In June 2024, Williams signed a five-year, $90 million contract extension that includes a player option for the 2028-2029 season. However, Williams had dealt with injuries and inconsistency, leading to criticisms that hewas overpaid. Therefore, opening the door for a potential trade.
One of the teamsslated to be a good pick for him is the Phoenix Suns, per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints/Clutch Scoops Podcast.
“I think Patrick Williams is a really intriguing player to talk about,”Siegel said. “Obviously the Bulls want to dump his contract somewhere.He’s still under contract for three more years past this season. But I thinkthere’s going to be some teams, whetherit’s now or whetherit’s in the off-season,they’re going to view him as a guy who is worth taking a chance on becauseit’s rare to find wings with his type of athleticism that has a seven foot wing span. The problem is he justhasn’t been healthy enough in Chicago.”
If it were to happen, Williams would likely play behind Dillon Brooks on the wing role. Additionally, he could utilize his youthfulness to help the Suns grow.
“Thisisn’t to say this team is interested in him, but just for example, I think Phoenix would be an interesting spot for Patrick Williams because he could sit behind Dillon Brooks, he could learn from him on the wing. He can add to their young group thatthey’re building, their young core with length. So I thinkthat’s a really interesting scenario.”
Article Continues Below
The Bulls would trade Patrick Williams for obvious reasons.
Through 30 games, Williams is averaging 6.5 points per game and 2.9 rebounds. However, there is a strong sense of disappointment in him for not meeting expectations. In 2020, he was the 4th pick in the NBA Draft coming out of Florida State.
As a forward, he possesses tremendous athleticism and versatility. However, he has sustained injuries such as adislocated wrist in 2021 that required surgery. Altogether, putting him in a precarious position for a trade.
But the Bulls would have issues in trading him if theydon't add draft picks for a prospective deal. Additionally, other teams could be reluctant to take a chance on him due to his vulnerabilities and high salary.