The 2023-24 NBA regular season has not gotten off to the start the Chicago Bulls were hoping for. After Monday night’s loss to the Miami Heat, their record has dropped to 5-10 as rumors swirl about the future of the franchise.
A player’s only meeting following an opening night loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder was an ominous start. From the sounds of it, things haven’t gotten any better as reports surfaced that the roster will be drastically changed within the month.
The player many people have turned their attention to in that regard is Zach LaVine. The Bulls and LaVine are reportedly more open to finding a trade and recent events involving him have only heightened the rumors.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Patrick Williams & Chicago Bulls Updates
LaVine isn’t the only player that has been mentioned as a trade candidate. DeMar DeRozan, who is on an expiring contract, could also be on the move. Alex Caruso’s name has popped up in numerous rumors as well.
Another name to keep an eye on, according to NBA insider Marc Stein on his Substack, is Patrick Williams. The Florida State product is drawing some interest on the trade market in addition to his more established teammates.
“Patrick Williams … still intrigues various teams despite his extremely underwhelming start to the season. The former No. 4 overall pick and the Bulls did not come to terms on a contract extension before the Oct. 23 deadline for Class of 2020 first-round picks.”
Williams has not come close to living up to expectations since the Bulls selected him fourth overall. In 185 games, with 151 starts, he is averaging 9.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Patrick Williams & Chicago Bulls Updates
Those are decent enough numbers for your run-of-the-mill rotation player, not someone you are expecting to be a franchise cornerstone with the No. 4 overall pick. Williams has failed to make an impact and his production this season has slipped.
Through 15 games, Williams is on pace to have the least productive season of his career. He is making only 33 percent of his shot attempts and 26.2 percent from 3-point range. That has led to a drop in his scoring numbers, in addition to his rebounds being down as well.
There was a time not too long ago when Williams was being asked about as the centerpiece of blockbuster trades. The Bulls declined at the time, enamored with the potential that he possessed.
Unable to realize that potential in Chicago, a change of scenery would likely do Williams some good so he can try and get his career on track. He just turned 22 years old in August, so there is still plenty of time for him to figure things out.
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