The Bulls exercised a pair of rookie-scale team options, locking in guard Coby White and forward Patrick Williams for the 2022-23 season, the team announced Wednesday in a press release.
While decisions on standard team options are typically due right before free agency begins, teams have to make their decisions on rookie-scale team options a year in advance. By Oct. 31, clubs must either exercise or decline third-year options for first-round picks from 2020 and fourth-year options for 2019’s first-rounders.
White was a starter for the Bulls this past season but figures to come off the bench following the team’s acquisition of Lonzo Ball in free agency. The 21-year-old averaged 15.1 PPG, 4.8 APG and 4.1 RPG on .416/.359/.901 shooting in 69 games (31.2 MPG) in 2020-21. His ’21-22 debut may be delayed, since he’s coming off left shoulder surgery.
Williams, the No. 4 pick in the 2020 draft, was also a full-time starter last season as a 19-year-old rookie. His role for 2021-22 remains unclear, but the former Florida State standout looks like a key part of Chicago’s long-term plans. He put up 9.2 PPG and 4.6 RPG on .483/.391/.728 shooting in 71 games (27.9 MPG) last season.
White’s fourth-year option for 2022-23 is worth $7,413,955. He’ll now be extension-eligible during the 2022 offseason and would be eligible for restricted free agency in 2023 if he doesn’t sign a new deal next year. Williams’ third-year option for ’22-23 will pay him $7,775,400. The Bulls will have to decide on his fourth-year option for 2023-24 by Oct. 31, 2022.
More must-reads: