NEWSLETTER
While the Chicago Bulls still have to wait a week before they’re on the clock at the 2024 NBA Draft, time feels like it’s already ticking.
With the Boston Celtics claiming their 18th title earlier this week, the NBA offseason was officially a full go. The league’s recently modified CBA allowed teams to begin negotiations with their own free agents the day after the Finals. Previously, organizations had to wait for the official start of free agency (in this case June 30th). This means that both DeMar DeRozan (UFA) and Patrick Williams (RFA) are now eligible to speak – and verbally agree upon – a new deal with the Chicago Bulls front office.
But … will they?
Patrick Williams Has a Market
Patrick Williams’ situation, in particular, is a fascinating one. The fourth-year forward has struggled to show the consistent progress many hoped for after being selected No. 4 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. While his defensive versatility remains an asset, Williams’ lack of aggressiveness on offense and in the rebounding department has raised some red flags.
At the same time, Williams is only 22 years old and possesses some jaw-dropping athleticism. Every team in the NBA is looking for a wing defender who can match up with all sizes and has strong help instincts. Williams – at the very least – offers precisely that. The case could also be made his development was stunted by two lengthy injuries (a dislocated wrist in 2021-22 and foot surgery in 2023-24). So considering where the organization stands, the Bulls can’t necessarily afford to lose a young talent like Williams. Betting on the upside and investing in youth should be a priority after back-to-back losing seasons.
The good news for the Bulls is that they should have an upper hand in negotiations due to Williams’ lackluster 2023-24 campaign. The bad news is that Williams’ camp still has plenty of reasons to play hardball. All indications are that there should be a legitimate market for him in restricted free agency should things get to that point. The Oklahoma City Thunder, for example, were already mentioned as a possible suitor for Williams this offseason. But they’re not alone.
According to Matt Moore of the Action Network, the Bulls’ restricted free agent now has another potential suitor: “The Hornets are known to be fans of Bulls free agent Patrick Williams if they can’t retain Bridges in free agency,” Moore shared in his latest intel piece.
Of course, the fact this comes with a disclaimer is important. The status of Miles Bridges will seemingly decide whether or not the Hornets look closer at Williams, which makes sense considering the two share a position. Nevertheless, it’s still essential to keep in mind as we wait to see if the Bulls and Williams can come to terms on a new deal.
The more rumored suitors there are for Williams in free agency, the more leverage his agents have to get the Bulls closer to the price they want. Put differently, the more suitors there are, the scarier it is for the Bulls to allow Williams to hit restricted free agency.
Even if Chicago has the ability to match any offer sheet, the last thing they want is for someone to run up the price and put them in an uncomfortable position. The Thunder can certainly do that with their projected $35.2 million in cap space. The Hornets’ path to substantial spending isn’t as cut and dry, but they can get themselves close to $32.0 million if Miles Bridges signs elsewhere and they make a few other roster moves. Obviously, this could put them in a position to make a competitive offer.
If I had to guess, this isn’t the last time we hear about a team having a close eye on Patrick Williams. The Pistons, Magic, and Jazz will all have their fair share of dollars to spend in the coming weeks, and each may view the former top 5 pick as someone who fits nicely into their competitive timeline. Let’s hope the Bulls are keeping that in mind.
