According to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, the Chicago Bulls will almost certainly make Patrick Williams available this offseason. In his piece highlighting one player per NBA team most likely to hit the trade block, Swartz singled out the former No. 4 overall pick as Chicago’s prime candidate for a move.
“The Chicago Bulls will almost certainly make Patrick Williams available this offseason. Whether or not another team actually makes an offer for the former No. 4 overall pick is a different story. Still somehow only 24 years old despite playing in his sixth season, Williams has been used almost exclusively as a reserve. His shooting numbers have plummeted (37.4 percent overall from the field) and there’s been no real growth in any area of Williams’ game. “The three years and $54 million remaining on his contract is going to be tough to get rid of for Chicago, although it’s time both parties go their separate ways.”
The analysis underscores a harsh reality for the young forward. Once viewed as a high-upside prospect with defensive potential and athleticism, Williams has struggled to develop consistent offensive production or earn a reliable starting role under head coach Billy Donovan.
Career Stats Reveal Limited Growth
Through 341 career games (now approaching 342), Williams has averaged just 9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game. His most recent 2025-26 season further highlighted the stagnation, with scoring dipping to 6.6 points per game on 37.1% shooting from the field while logging career-low minutes as a reserve.
Despite still being just 24 years old, Williams has shown minimal progress in key areas such as shooting efficiency, playmaking, or overall impact. His role has largely been that of a bench contributor rather than the cornerstone piece many expected when he was selected early in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Time for a Change of Scenery?
For the Bulls, moving on from Williams could serve multiple purposes. It would open up minutes for younger or more productive players, help clear salary obligations, and potentially provide additional assets—though the remaining three years and roughly $54 million on his deal make any deal challenging. Chicago may need to attach a draft pick or take back matching salary to facilitate a trade.
From Williams’ perspective, a fresh start elsewhere could reignite his career. A change of scenery often benefits young players who have stalled in their original environment, offering new coaching schemes, increased opportunity, and a reset in expectations.
As the Bulls look to build momentum heading into a critical offseason, the decision on Patrick Williams looms large. While the former lottery pick once carried significant hype, the lack of growth after six seasons suggests it may indeed be time for both sides to part ways. Whether a suitable trade partner emerges remains to be seen, but the signals from Bleacher Report and the broader league chatter indicate that Chicago’s front office is ready to explore options.
The coming weeks and months will be telling. With cap space and draft capital in play, the Bulls have an opportunity to reshape the roster—and dealing Williams could be one of the first dominoes to fall.