The worst part of professional sports is injuries. No contest. Injuries can ruin a team’s season. They can ruin a player’s career. So, when a player starts to overcome injuries, it’s something to celebrate. The NBA is far from an exception.
The Chicago Bulls know all too well about the hardship that injuries can cause. Lonzo Ball is expected to miss the entirety of next season due to injuries. On the positive side, Patrick Williams seems to be rounding into form. Last year, he was as available as he’s been in his injury-prone NBA career.
The Boston Celtics would love to see Robert Williams III follow the same trend. He’s as frequently injured as almost any player in the NBA. With that in mind, the Celtics could use some front-court depth in the event that Williams III is once again unavailable. Could they acquire Williams to bolster that depth?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: F/C Al Horford, 2026 First-Round Pick (BOS)
Boston Celtics Receive: F Patrick Williams
Williams and Williams III have had remarkably similar careers – they shore more than just a name. These are two young defensive specialists who’ve flashed plenty of potential at the NBA level. With that said, there are vast differences between the two as well.
Williams was a lottery pick. The expectations around him were sky-high. When healthy, he’s looked poised to meet those expectations. On the other hand, Williams III was a late first-round pick. He’s exceeded expectations – even when you take his injuries into account.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Patrick Williams, Boston Celtics & Chicago Bulls Updates
How did Williams III slip? Well, when he was drafted in 2018, the importance of big men who could switch on defense wasn’t as widely understood. On the other hand, Williams came into the league at the forefront of the 3-and-D revolution. Should the Bulls really trade him to the Celtics now?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Williams had a bounce-back year last season. It didn’t seem to matter to the Bulls. This team had a tremendously underwhelming season in spite of Williams’ performance. Now, plenty of fans feel as if the Bulls should rebuild.
We’re forced to concur. The Bulls are clearly not going to be competing for an NBA title any time soon. Why not get a fresh start? Granted, trading Williams may not be the obvious first step. He’s young. Even if the Bulls are rebuilding, shouldn’t they hang onto him?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Patrick Williams, Boston Celtics & Chicago Bulls Updates
Perhaps. On the other hand, this front office could decide that they need draft capital above all else. Between Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and others, the Bulls should be able to get a lot of it. Adding one more at the expense of Williams wouldn’t hurt. Should the Celtics give up a first-round pick for Williams?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
By contrast, the Celtics won’t be rebuilding. This team is in win-now mode. With that in mind, they need to upgrade their roster at any cost. This deal should help them do just that. Williams may be young, but he’s already a useful NBA player.
Meanwhile, Horford should be expendable for Boston. This team acquired Kristaps Porzingis this summer. With Williams III remaining on the roster, they may have a logjam of big men. By contrast, they lost Grant Williams. Patrick Williams would be an immediate replacement for him – and if he can stay healthy, he may be an upgrade.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Patrick Williams, Boston Celtics & Chicago Bulls Updates
Some will suggest that the Celtics are investing too much in Williams III by moving Horford. Fair. At the same time, this is the highest ceiling possibility for Boston. If their guys can get healthy, this group would have a tremendous chance of winning an NBA championship.
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