The Chicago Bulls have one big regret this offseason. The Bulls should have several regrets, especially after they cost themselves good odds at landing a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by working overtime to make the Play-In Tournament, only to be blown out 109-90 by the Miami Heat at the United Center.
Chicago has a history of being overly optimistic about their roster being able to compete. That’s why they gave Zach LaVine a Super Max deal when he didn’t deserve it, a consequence the Bulls are still living with as they have yet to fully start a rebuild.
Another mistake by the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Then there’s the story of Patrick Williams.
The Bulls gave Williams, the No. 4 pick in the 2020 draft, a five-year contract extension worth $90 million before the 2024-25 season. The 23-year-old power forward averaged nine points, 3.8 rebounds, and two assists per game last season.
Patrick Williams is on his own
Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) greets fans after a game against the Denver Nuggets at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls did the equivalent of telling him to go (expletive) himself this spring.
“According to a source, the Bulls basically told Williams things are now on him,” Cowley wrote. “They have catered to him by juggling at least three developmental coaches to work with him in the last few seasons. They’ve tried tough love by pulling him out of the starting lineup. They’ve handled him with kid gloves, at times, by giving him extended minutes he hasn’t earned.
“And they offered the ultimate security blanket by giving him a five-year, $90 million contract extension last summer. Their reward? Career lows in scoring, rebounding, three-point percentage and field-goal percentage — the very definition of a player who needs a change of address to save his career.”
Because of the ridiculous contract Chicago gave him last year, no team in its right mind will trade for Williams. They’re stuck with him, and their response is to tell him to “sink or swim.”
Like the rest of the Bulls, Williams is just treading water.
