If you told me the Chicago Bulls made a massive blunder, I’d need you to narrow it down. Was it the trade involving Alex Caruso? The departure of Andre Drummond with no return? Or perhaps the ongoing saga with DeMar DeRozan? The Bulls have a notorious history of asset mismanagement, but the current issue revolves around Patrick Williams’ new 5-year, $90 million contract.
Given the Bulls’ scarcity of young talent, re-signing Williams, who has the potential to be a solid 3-and-D player, seems logical. However, the contract is an overpayment, especially for a player whose development has been hindered by persistent injuries. Williams has shown minimal progress since entering the league, making the hefty contract seem even more questionable. It becomes glaringly apparent when compared to DeRozan’s deal, especially since there wasn’t significant external interest in Williams, and no team extended him an offer sheet. It seems the Bulls outbid themselves and even added a player option, a risky move given Williams’ recent surgery that sidelined him for half the season.
The Bulls are now committed to this bet, hoping Williams can fulfill his potential. If he does, the investment may pay off, but if not, the team may find itself in a familiar predicament. Last season, the Bulls struggled in the Eastern Conference, partly due to limited contributions from Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, and Williams, who collectively missed many games. With LaVine and Ball already known for their injury struggles, Williams’ health issues add another layer of concern.
Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic recently mentioned on the Bernstein and Holmes Show that Williams might still be dealing with a lingering foot injury, raising doubts about his physical resilience over the duration of his new contract. Williams has been sidelined since January 25th, and his recovery has already surpassed the initial four-month timeline. This delay raises concerns about whether his injuries will persist into the upcoming season.
This situation mirrors the challenges the Bulls faced with LaVine’s injury history. One must question why the Bulls offered such a substantial contract to Williams, especially with no competing offers. It’s baffling that they also included a player option for someone unproven and currently injured.
In summary, while Patrick Williams has the potential to develop into a valuable player, the way the Bulls handled his contract seems increasingly flawed. As each day passes, this decision appears more misguided, leaving the Bulls with yet another risky and uncertain investment.
