Bulls Ready to Cut Ties With Former Top Draft Pick

The Chicago Bulls are ready to shake up their roster after trading defensive-minded guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey. The decision to move Caruso right now after not trading him during the NBA trade deadline for potential draft capital, is a puzzling move by the Bulls’ front office.

However, the Caruso trade might not be the only move Chicago makes this offseason as Zach LaVine has seen his name involved in trade rumors. And there’s also Patrick Williams, who is scheduled to be a restricted free agent.

If the Bulls are open to blowing it up, they might be wise to keep the 22-year-old forward, who missed most of the 2023-24 season because of foot surgery. That said, the former first-round pick could be playing elsewhere next season.

Bulls Rumors: Patrick Williams Receives Interest From Multiple Teams Ahead of Free Agency

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on Friday that the fourth-year forward is expected to hit restricted free agency on June 30, with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, and Charlotte Hornets listed as potential landing spots.

All three teams could use Williams, whose offensive production has improved over the last two seasons. Also, with the former first-round pick being 22 years old, he still provides a bunch of upside.

Williams would fit the timeline for the Thunder, who could use a versatile forward who can play at the three and four. The Raptors aren’t competing in the East, but he would fit with their young core of RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley.

Finally, the Hornets have a young core with Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and Mark Williams, but they are rebuilding with new head coach Charles Lee. If the price is right, the Bulls are better off keeping Williams to help usher in a new era. 

However, the Raptors and Thunder might offer the former fourth-overall pick a better opportunity to develop his skills and play for a winner sooner.

More Bulls news and analysis: