Bulls keeping Patrick Williams with five-year, $90 million deal

Late Saturday, less than 24 hours before NBA teams can start talking to free agents, the Bulls agreed to a five-year, $90 million deal with forward Patrick Williams.

The Sun-Times reported last week that the organization had Williams, 22, as its top priority once the free-agent frenzy was set to begin.

The former No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 draft was putting together a solid, albeit inconsistent, 2023-24 season before having to be shut down after 43 games to have foot surgery. But even with the injury, the Bulls still believe in a three-and-“D” wing, who has emerged as not only one of their better defenders, but also a career 41% shooter from three-point range.

Because Williams was set to be a restricted free agent, the Bulls could have matched any offer that came his way. But much like they did with Coby White at this time last year, they didn’t want to become victims of the market and wanted to move forward with Williams in the mix.

The next big issue that needs to be addressed is what to do with free agent DeMar DeRozan. There’s also the ongoing trade talks surrounding Zach LaVine.

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The youth movement continues for Arturas Karnisovas, who agreed to a deal with Williams, 22. In the last week, Karnisovas added Josh Giddey and first-round pick Matas Buzelis before making sure Williams didn’t hit the open market.
With the league turning its attention to free agency Sunday night, it’s time to put a bow on the two-night NBA Draft and break down the winners and losers.
The additions of Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis have not come by accident. The youth movement is alive and well for the Bulls, but now they need help with the start of free agency to continue to push it.
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