Bulls’ Patrick Williams Added To Trade Block Amid Struggles

Bulls executive Artūras Karnišovas believes that Patrick Williams needs a change of scenery, a decision that has now resulted in the forward being added to the trade block. The situation is complicated, however.

The organization recently signed him to a five-year, $90 million extension this past summer. They essentially outbid themselves by getting this deal done.

Williams was a restricted free agent, which means he could have tested the market with the Bulls having the option to either match any offer or let him leave.

For years the coaching staff has been trying to unlock his full potential, and although he has dealt with multiple injuries, a source said that Williams has been difficult to work with. His behavior hasn’t been the issue; the problem lies in his comfort level and willingness to fully buy into what’s being communicated.

When Peter Patton took over as the director of player development, it appeared that Williams was progressing in November, putting up averages of 11.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Yet, that has not been the case in January.

He hasn’t just regressed; his play has reached the point to where coach Billy Donovan has been limiting his minutes. In the Bulls’ 125-123 loss to the Hornets, Williams played 17 minutes and finished with five points, no rebounds, and had a plus/minus of minus-17.

Donovan was asked whether he had concerns about him.

“I don’t want to use the word concerned, but I think Patrick’s heart is in a really good place as it relates to our team, and I think he really wants to do well,” Donovan said.  “I think the one thing he will continue to get better at, and I think I mentioned to you guys that in closeouts, and I think the next iteration, the next part of it, at least offensively, is going to end up being, ‘What are the ones I need to go in and finish, what are the ones I need to spray out? And when I do spray it out, taking care of the ball?’”

Donovan further emphasized that the team needs to get more rebounding help from Williams.

“The other part of it too, for our team, we need more rebounding from him. I think he’s made the effort to try and go there, but we probably need to get a little more out of him. But I’m not concerned about him. I know this stretch for him has not been good, but he has had moments where he has been pretty good. I think he does work, I think he’s a good player. He’s up in a tough stretch right now. He’s still going through a maturation process offensively.”

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