The Chicago Bulls are in a strange spot as they move into next season, and they could make some big changes before the trade deadline.
Entering this season, the Bulls are still in a bit of a confusing spot. After making the play-in but missing the playoffs for the third straight season, the Bulls are in that same tier again going into next season.
Although the Bulls likely won’t be bad enough to truly tank for a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, their recent moves signal a focus on developing their young talent. Of course, that could soon mean the departures of some more of Chicago’s more experienced players.
Time to give up on the Patrick Williams project?
Over the past five seasons, the Bulls have been waiting to see Williams break out and become one of the team’s most important players. While he has proven to be a good 3-point shooter and a solid defender, Williams hasn’t developed into the all-around player Chicago was hoping to have when it drafted the Florida State product with the No. 4 pick in 2020.
As Athlon’s Nathaniel Holloway recently pointed out, Williams’ struggles to develop and also to stay on the floor could lead to the Bulls searching for a new home for him at some point next season. While Chicago still had some faith in him just a year ago, giving him a five-year, $90 million deal in 2024, he might just be better off in a new environment next year and beyond.