The Chicago Bulls are entering a pivotal 2025-26 NBA season, with their next moves potentially shaping the franchise’s future. After three consecutive years of falling short in the play-in tournament since their 2022 playoff appearance, the Bulls have been eerily quiet this offseason. While they drafted promising forward Noa Essengue and secured head coach Billy Donovan with a contract extension, the lack of significant roster changes has left fans and analysts buzzing with speculation. Now, a shocking rumor has emerged: the Bulls are reportedly considering trading their $90 million young star, Patrick Williams, and the decision is steeped in unexpected drama.
A Disappointing Tenure for Patrick Williams
Selected fourth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Florida State, Patrick Williams arrived in Chicago with high expectations. Touted for his athleticism, defensive versatility, and potential as a two-way forward, the Bulls saw him as a cornerstone for their rebuild. However, five seasons later, Williams has yet to live up to the hype. As ClutchPoints’ Enzo Flojo aptly described him, Williams has become a “perennial what-if,” a player who consistently teases potential but fails to deliver the breakout performance the Bulls have been waiting for.
Williams has carved out a role as a reliable forward, averaging 10 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last season while shooting 39.9% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and provide solid defense has been valuable, but it’s not enough for a team desperate to climb out of mediocrity. With the Bulls stuck in a cycle of play-in losses, the front office appears ready to move on from the 24-year-old, whose development has plateaued.
The Contract Conundrum
Adding fuel to the trade rumors is Williams’ hefty contract. In 2024, the Bulls signed him to a five-year, $90 million deal, a decision that raised eyebrows given his inconsistent production. With four years and approximately $72 million remaining, trading Williams won’t be easy. His contract, combined with his unfulfilled potential, makes him a risky acquisition for other teams. However, as Flojo noted, it only takes one team to believe in Williams’ upside for a deal to materialize.
The drama surrounding the potential trade stems from the Bulls’ hesitation to part with their former lottery pick. In previous seasons, Chicago has been reluctant to include Williams in blockbuster deals, holding out hope that he would emerge as a star. Now, with the team’s core of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan (before his departure), and Nikola Vučević failing to deliver playoff success, the front office seems ready to admit that Williams may not be the answer.
Why Now?
The timing of this potential trade is intriguing. The Bulls are still awaiting resolution on Josh Giddey’s restricted free agency, a situation that could significantly impact their roster decisions. Giddey, acquired in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, represents a new direction for the team with his playmaking and youth. However, his fit alongside ball-dominant guards like Coby White and Zach LaVine remains uncertain. Trading Williams could free up cap space or bring in assets to better complement Giddey and the Bulls’ evolving roster.
Moreover, the Bulls’ lack of playoff success has put pressure on executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas to make bold moves. After years of conservative roster tinkering, the fanbase is growing restless, and trading Williams could signal a shift toward a more aggressive rebuild or retooling effort. The drama lies in the Bulls’ internal conflict: do they continue to bet on Williams’ potential, or do they cut their losses and seek a fresh start?
Potential Trade Destinations
While moving Williams’ contract presents challenges, several teams could view him as a reclamation project. Contenders like the Miami Heat or Milwaukee Bucks might see value in his defensive versatility and shooting, especially if the Bulls attach draft picks to sweeten the deal. Rebuilding teams, such as the Washington Wizards or Charlotte Hornets, could take a flyer on Williams, hoping a change of scenery unlocks his potential. The Bulls could also package Williams in a larger deal to offload Zach LaVine’s max contract, a move that would shake up the roster significantly.
What’s Next for Chicago?
As the Bulls navigate this critical offseason, the decision to trade Patrick Williams could be a defining moment. The team’s reluctance to fully embrace a rebuild has left them in NBA purgatory—too good for a high draft pick, but not good enough for playoff contention. Trading Williams, while risky, could provide the Bulls with the flexibility to reshape their roster around younger players like Giddey, White, and Essengue, or to pursue a star via trade.
The unexpected drama behind this potential move lies in the Bulls’ shift in philosophy. For years, they’ve clung to the hope that Williams would become a star. Now, faced with the reality of his stagnation and the team’s mediocrity, Chicago appears ready to make a bold statement. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Bulls’ next steps will shape the franchise for years to come.