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Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls

After acquiring Isaac Okoro earlier this summer, the Chicago Bulls have somewhat of a logjam at the forward position. Billy Donovan now has Matas Buzelis, Noa Essengue, Okoro and Patrick Williams at his disposal.

In a recent article for ClutchPoints, NBA Insider Brett Siegel tabbed Williams as a logical trade chip for the Bulls.

“Noise surrounding Patrick Williams will rise before this season’s trade deadline,” Siegel reported. “The Bulls are focused on Matas Buzelis, Noa Essengue, and now Isaac Okoro on the wing, which makes Williams very expendable. However, he is entering Year 2 of a five-year, $90 million extension he signed last year. This will be a very tough contract to move by itself.”

Williams has stagnated since entering the NBA. Despite his new contract, he’s rarely shown signs of significant improvement. Therefore, the Bulls would be wise to try and move on from the former lottery pick.

Fortunately, Williams is still only 23 years old. Other teams around the NBA may be willing to bite on a trade for him, in the hope that he can develop and showcase his potential in a new environment.

Williams Seen as Most Logical Trade Chip

Enzo Flojo of ClutchPoints has also written about how Williams could emerge as an in-season trade candidate for the Bulls.

“At just 23, Williams still has the frame and a career 39.2 percent mark from three to intrigue other teams,” Flojo wrote. “But in Chicago, he’s never found the right balance between passivity and over-aggression…Williams is likely a negative-value asset right now due to his contract and stalled development. Still, rival GMs could see him as a low-risk reclamation project with upside. For the Bulls, moving him could clear positional logjams and refocus minutes toward players more aligned with their timeline.”

Chicago may need to remain patient in order to find a willing trade partner for Williams. Nevertheless, at his age, with his potential upside, it shouldn’t prove too difficult to create some level of interest in his services.

Buzelis Likely to Earn Bigger Role With Bulls

On July 2, Bulls Insider K.C. Johnson noted how Buzelis was playing a key role behind the scenes for Chicago.

“One takeaway I want to add about the draft, have you seen the Bulls’ social media account? Who’s been marching (the rookies) around? Matas Buzelis,” Johnson said. “He is becoming the face of the franchise. This is no knock on Josh Giddey or Coby White who obviously are much more accomplished at the NBA level. But Matas obviously being based here and becoming very media friendly… he’s been marching these guys around and participating quite a bit in the social media aspect. That’s the future right there.”

Buzelis has already shown that he’s got significant on-court upside. However, his willingness to also be a significant part of Chicago’s behind-the-scenes operations will further endear him to the franchise.

So, with multiple new young talents operating at the forward position, Williams would be wise to embrace the idea of a move away from Chicago. The only question is how long it will take for a trade offer to materialize.

Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker and FanSided. Adam has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor