Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams could be on the move, with front office leadership showing increased urgency to reshape the roster ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Bulls executive Arturas Karnisovas has been “more responsive to trade talks than in the past,” and Williams is reportedly at the top of Chicago’s trade list.
The 23-year-old forward is entering the second season of a five-year, $90 million deal signed in 2024. His contract includes a player option for the 2028–29 season.
In 63 games during the 2024–25 campaign, Williams averaged 9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 25.0 minutes per game. He shot 39.7 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from three-point range.
Chicago ended the regular season with a 39–43 record, finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference. They were eliminated by the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament.
The Bulls have been linked to potential trade scenarios involving Lonzo Ball, Nikola Vucevic, and Coby White, but Cowley reports that Williams is the player “atop Karnisovas’ list” of available assets.
Williams’ mix of age, size, and upside may appeal to teams seeking a two-way wing under long-term team control. However, his shooting inconsistency and limited playmaking have capped his ceiling in Chicago’s system.
Chicago is at a crossroads following another first-round miss. The front office is under pressure to commit to a clear direction — either building around young players or seeking a faster route to contention.
