The Chicago Bulls announced on Friday that Patrick Williams will undergo surgery to address a season-ending injury to his left foot ahead of his NBA free agency.
Williams has not played since January 25, after being diagnosed with acute bone edema, a condition that has since escalated to a stress reaction following further medical examinations.
At 22, Williams was navigating a crucial contract year, with his future with the Bulls hanging in the balance. He is set to become a restricted free agent this summer, pending a $12,973,527 one-year qualifying offer from the team.
This season has seen its fair share of ups and downs for Williams, who was selected fourth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft from Florida State. Over 43 games, including 30 starts, he has posted an average of 10.0 points and 3.9 rebounds, with a field goal percentage of 44.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 39.9%.
This marks Williams’ second season cut short by injury following a broken wrist that limited him to just 17 games during the 2021-22 season. He has averaged 9.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game throughout his four-year NBA tenure.
The Bulls are facing a series of injury challenges beyond Williams. Zach LaVine is out for the season after surgery on his right foot in February. Torrey Craig awaits re-evaluation in two to four weeks following a right knee sprain incurred over the All-Star break. Moreover, Lonzo Ball has missed two consecutive seasons due to a knee injury.
With a roster depleted by injuries, the burden has increased on DeMar DeRozan and Coby White, who lead the NBA in total minutes played. Despite these challenges, the Bulls are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 26-30, following a recent defeat to the Boston Celtics, the league leaders.
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