The Chicago Bulls and Forward Patrick Williams Agree to Five-Year, $90 Million Contract Extension
- Chicago, IL — May 31, 2025
The Chicago Bulls have reached a significant milestone in their roster development, securing forward Patrick Williams to a five-year, $90 million contract extension, sources confirmed to ESPN this week. The move reflects the franchise’s long-term commitment to its 2020 fourth-overall draft pick, signaling faith in his continued growth and importance to the team’s future.
Williams, 23, has been a key component of the Bulls’ young core, known for his defensive versatility and untapped offensive potential. After several injury-plagued seasons that limited his availability and development, the Bulls’ front office appears confident that the Florida State product is ready to take the next step in his career.
A Vote of Confidence
The extension comes after months of speculation surrounding Williams’ future with the team. Chicago chose not to extend Williams before the 2023–24 season, opting instead to see how he progressed. Despite missing the latter half of the season with a foot injury, his early-season performances and locker room presence appear to have convinced Bulls management that he’s worth the investment.
“Patrick is a player we believe in,” said Bulls General Manager Marc Eversley in a statement. “He’s only scratched the surface of what he can become in this league. This deal shows our faith in his continued growth and our commitment to building a competitive team around him.”
The deal reportedly includes a player option in the fifth year, giving Williams some flexibility as he enters his prime years. At an average of $18 million per season, the contract is seen as a middle-tier deal that balances both risk and upside for the Bulls.
Development and Challenges
Williams entered the league with high expectations due to his physical tools, high basketball IQ, and rare defensive instincts. Often described as a “positionless” forward, his ability to guard multiple positions has made him a valuable asset in today’s switch-heavy defensive schemes.
However, inconsistency and health setbacks have slowed his rise. In four NBA seasons, Williams has averaged 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. While those numbers may not leap off the stat sheet, they also don’t tell the full story of a player whose role has often shifted based on the team’s fluctuating roster and coaching strategies.
“He’s had to adapt more than most players his age,” noted Bulls head coach Billy Donovan. “But he’s coachable, he works, and his best basketball is still ahead of him.”
What This Means for the Bulls
By locking up Williams now, the Bulls are making a clear statement: they’re building around their young core. With veteran stars like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine no longer on the roster, and with emerging players like Coby White and Matas Buzelis stepping up, Chicago is pivoting to a new era focused on youth, development, and long-term cohesion.
The deal also avoids the possibility of Williams entering restricted free agency, where other teams might have driven up his market value. By securing him at a fixed rate now, the Bulls gain some salary cap predictability moving forward, which will be critical as they evaluate future free-agent targets and draft strategies.
Reactions Mixed but Hopeful
Fan reactions have been mixed. Some see the deal as a potential overpay for a player who hasn’t fully proven himself. Others view it as a smart gamble on a player with elite defensive upside and star potential if his offensive game cBREAKING NEWS: The Chicago Bulls and forward Patrick Williams have
an catch up.
“I think he’s going to be worth every penny,” said longtime Bulls fan Jordan Massey outside the United Center. “He just needs the right system and consistent minutes. You can’t teach what he brings on defense.”
Looking Ahead
With the extension in place, the Bulls now turn their attention to the upcoming offseason and the NBA Draft. Whether Williams will live up to the $90 million price tag remains to be seen, but the Bulls are betting big on his promise—and giving him the runway to prove them right.
For now, Patrick Williams remains a Bull—and a central figure in what Chicago hopes will be a new chapter of sustained success. Let me know if you’d like a version optimized for social media, print, or a newsletter format.
