A few years ago, many Chicago Bulls fans thought they had something with youngster Patrick Williams. Williams has proven throughout his young career that he’s an above-average player, but for the most part, the 23-year-old hasn’t done enough to give the Bulls any promise moving forward.
During the 2024-25 season, he managed to stay healthy, appearing in 63 games for 25.0 minutes per night, but averaged just nine points and shot 35.3% from 3-point range.
With the Bulls being in the position they’re currently in, some believe he’s the most overpaid player in the league, with Ricky O’Donnell of SB Nation naming him as such. Williams currently has four years and $72 million remaining on his current deal.
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“The Bulls paid Williams a five-year, $90 million extension ahead of last season based on his perceived potential, not his production. As he returned from a foot injury, Williams turned in the worst season of his career as soon as he got paid, and now suddenly feels like an afterthought in Chicago’s rebuild…
“Williams showed defensive promise early in his career, but he wasn’t as effective on that end last season as his athleticism waned. He’s a career 39 percent shooter from three, but his shot is so slow he can’t get it off with volume. Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue could give the Bulls some hope for the future, but Williams already feels like an anchor on the cap sheet going forward,” he wrote.
From the Bulls’ perspective, not giving Williams a second contract would’ve been very questionable. While they might’ve been able to read the writing on the wall, it would’ve been tough to justify moving on from a player they had selected with the fourth overall pick in 2020.
For now, however, they’ll have to hope things change.
