NBA
Patrick Williams agrees long-term deal with the Bulls
The 22-year-old, the No. 4 pick in the 2020 NBA draft, was on course to become a restricted free agent but will remain in Chicago as part of the franchise’s plan to rejuvenate the team.
More deals going through in the NBA as the Free Agency moratorium gets into full swing. With the negotiating period set to open at 6 p.m. EDT today, forward Patrick Williams has committed to a new, long-term contract with the Chicago Bulls reportedly worth $90 million. Sources told ESPN that the 22-year-old has agreed a five-year contract and will earn a base salary of $15,517,241 in the new season while carrying a cap hit of $15,517,241 and a dead cap value of $15,517,241.
Williams, who Chicago selected as the No. 4 pick in the 2020 draft, was at the end of a four-year rookie contract worth $32,101,641 which he signed in November 2020. Despite having an erratic four years with the Bulls, he will be staying on as part of the the franchise’s plan to rejuvenate the roster.
Patrick Williams stats in 2023/4
During the season just gone, he averaged 10 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in 43 regular season appearances. His overall stats are similar: 9.7 points and 4.2 rebounds on 47% shooting (41% from 3). Williams suffered two season-ending injuries which had a negative impact on his stats. He ruptured ligaments in his left wrist during the 103–104 loss to the New York Knicks in October 2021 - an injury which required surgery and a five-month layoff.
He missed a large chunk of last season as well. He was diagnosed with a bone edema affecting his left foot in late January and underwent an operation in February which effectively ended his involvement in the campaign.
Chicago see him as a bet for the future along with their other upcoming stars Coby White and Australian guard Josh Giddey, who they recently picked up in an exchange deal with the Thunder for Alex Caruso.
Another player on the Bulls’ agenda is DeMar DeRozan, who has reportedly been offered a two-year deal but could leave as an unrestricted free agent if nothing is agreed during free agency.