The Chicago Bulls have been an intriguing team to follow this offseason. After pulling the trigger on a trade to acquire Nic Claxton, the Bulls signed Norman Powell in free agency, quietly bolstering their roster. Now, the Bulls are reportedly eyeing more moves, as 24-year-old forward Patrick Williams has reportedly been made available in trade rumors.
Evan Sidery was the first to highlight Chicago’s inclination to offload Patrick Williams’ contract. He wrote:
“The Bulls are trying to find a team willing to take on Patrick Williams in exchange for draft compensation. Williams has three years remaining on a $90 million extension, which includes an $18 million player option in 2028. Chicago is in active pursuit of Bennedict Mathurin.”
Earlier in his career, Patrick Williams was viewed as a key player for the Bulls, with some internal sources even suggesting that many expected him to develop into a Kawhi Leonard-type player. However, given how his role has reduced over the years and last season’s averages of 7.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.7 steals per game, the decision to move on from him seems justified.
As Sidery mentioned, the Bulls will be looking to maximize their returns in the form of draft capital, but their interest in Bennedict Mathurin could also point to an inclination to acquire young talent. Hence, keeping the Bulls’ preferences in mind, here are four trade scenarios Chicago could consider involving Patrick Williams.
The Bulls Send Patrick Williams To Los Angeles
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Bennedict Mathurin, 2030 second-round pick (TOR)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Patrick Williams
This trade doesn’t necessarily help the Bulls acquire many draft picks, but considering that it gives them a clear route to acquiring Bennedict Mathurin, Chicago may view this scenario favorably.
Mathurin is currently available in sign-and-trade discussions. Given that the guard is coming off a season of averaging 17.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 steals per game, the Bulls’ interest is justified, too.
For the most part, the Clippers have looked hesitant to offer him a new contract. However, in a sign-and-trade deal, Los Angeles could offer him a marginally inflated contract, potentially in the three-year, $60 million range, allowing them to shed some salary by absorbing Patrick Williams’ $18.0 million cap hit.
Realistically, because of Williams’ limited impact last season, Los Angeles may not be interested if the deal requires them to give up any draft assets. Therefore, if Chicago is prioritizing Mathurin, they may be forced to give up picks.
The Kings Add A Defensive-Minded Wing
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Malik Monk, 2027 second-round pick (CHA)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Patrick Williams
Another team that could be a solid trade partner for the Bulls could be the Sacramento Kings. Although the Kings have struggled to offload their veteran core, this trade may allow them to get the ball rolling.
For Chicago, Malik Monk could provide an essential scoring punch off the bench, which the Bulls seem to be lacking. With averages of 12.5 points per game on 43.8% shooting from the field and 39.5% from three-point range last season, he could be quite impactful.
Enough rumors were suggesting that Monk was available in trade talks last season. With an opportunity to move his $20.1 million contract and shed some salary ($2.1 million) in the process, the Kings may view this scenario positively.
For the Kings, acquiring Patrick Williams may not be ideal. However, as a defensive-minded wing, he adds another layer of depth to Sacramento’s frontcourt.
Currently, the Kings’ wing rotation features De’Andre Hunter and Keegan Murray, both of whom are likely to earn starter’s minutes next season. With Williams coming off the bench to bolster the wing defense in their place, the team could develop some semblance of stability.
The Hornets Bolster Their Frontcourt
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: 2027 second-round pick (NOP or MEM), 2028 second-round pick (ORL)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Patrick Williams
The Charlotte Hornets made some noteworthy moves this summer. Aside from trading away a franchise player in LaMelo Ball, the Hornets have added several key players to bolster their roster.
So why would they need a player like Patrick Williams?
While Patrick Williams isn’t as reliable a perimeter threat, at 24, he has notable potential for development. Given that the Hornets are a young team, adding a developmental piece like Williams to bolster their frontcourt only seems reasonable.
On the other side, the Bulls stand to gain exactly what they asked for. With two second-round draft picks being included in the deal, Chicago builds upon its wealth of draft capital while also shedding $18.0 million in salary. Although this would likely hard-cap them at the first apron, it gives them enough flexibility to make a huge splash in the 2027 free agency period.
The Jazz Gain Another Young Player
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, 2028 second-round pick (CLE)
Utah Jazz Receive: Patrick Williams
The Utah Jazz are a team on the verge of completing their rebuild. After acquiring some star-caliber players last season, the Jazz added more depth to their backcourt by drafting Darryn Peterson this year. In a realistic sense, Utah doesn’t need to make this trade.
However, given that the Jazz are a young team, maintaining a future-friendly outlook with a priority on adding young players seems relevant. On that note, parting with a veteran big man like Jusuf Nurkic seems reasonable.
Chicago would greatly benefit from Nurkic’s addition. The Bulls’ big man rotation currently comprises Nic Claxton and Zach Collins. Given Collins’ injury-prone nature, Chicago would see merit in acquiring a reliable veteran center like Nurkic (10.9 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 4.8 APG).
For all intents and purposes, the Jazz may be hesitant to move Nurkic, especially since Walker Kessler was also traded to the Lakers. However, with young players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Kyle Filipowski filling out the center rotation, acquiring Patrick Williams to strengthen their wing defense may seem more worthwhile.
