4 Bulls Who Won't Be Back in 2024

Patrick Williams

After four underwhelming seasons in Chicago, Patrick Williams is finally hitting free agency. The 22-year-old will be a restricted free agent, meaning that the Bulls still have the right to match any offer sheet Williams receives. So, if they want to retain him, they absolutely can.

Whether they should or will, however, is another question.

Ever since he was the fourth-overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Williams was expected to take a leap and become a high-level starter. Even though he showed minor improvements over the years, he hasn't made the jump to become a star. He did, however, turn himself into a solid 40% three-point shooter who can also defend multiple positions on the other end.

That is still a valuable player. Williams should have suitors in free agency. A team with cap space like the Oklahoma City Thunder will certainly try to poach him. The Bulls should match the offer to a reasonable extent but if the amount starts to go over $15-16 million per year, it will be difficult to justify.

Plus, there is a chance that Williams doesn't want to be in Chicago anymore. Even if the Bulls match the offer, the Florida State product may ask them to move him in a trade.

Depending on how much interest Williams will draw in free agency, he is a candidate to be elsewhere next season. But a 22-year-old who plays both ends of the floor in a valuable position is hard to find and the Bulls should do their best to retain him.