According to NBA insider K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, Patrick Williams turned down a $64 million contract offer from the Chicago Bulls before the 2023-24 season.
Williams, who will undergo season-ending surgery on his left foot in March, becomes a restricted free agent this summer.
“Williams turned down a contract proposal before the season and previously said—before this injury—that he had no regrets doing so,” Johnson wrote. “Sources at the time indicated the Chicago Bulls’ offer was in the neighborhood of four years for $64 million with a team option, though it’s unknown if that represented a take-it-or-leave it proposal or was part of the ongoing negotiations. It’s believed Williams sought a deal in the vicinity of De’Andre Hunter’s four-year, $90 million deal with Atlanta but also might’ve come down to $20 million annually.”
Williams averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks this season in 43 games while shooting 44.3% from the floor, 39.9% from beyond the arc and 78.8% from the free-throw line. He wants to re-sign with the Bulls this summer.
“I don’t think anybody knows what their future is, to be honest,” Williams said. “I would love to continue to be a Bull. I love it here. I love the opportunity we have to build culture, to build something special with this group and this team. I think I could really be a cornerstone piece for this team. But you never know what the future holds and I understand it’s a business.”
The Bulls drafted Williams with the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Florida State. Williams has career averages of 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks.
“Like I said, I love it here,” Williams said. “I love the team. I love the guys. I love the front office. For now, worry about the surgery and getting back playing and let the chips fall where they may. … Nobody has really even talked about contract stuff. It’s more so about getting me back healthy, which I appreciate.”
Williams becomes a restricted NBA free agent after the Bulls offer him a $12.9 qualifying offer. As a restricted free agent, Williams can either re-sign with Chicago or sign an offer sheet with another team.
The Bulls would have 48 hours to match an offer sheet should Williams sign one.
“I think I know what I showed when I was healthy this season,” Williams said. “I think I know who I am as a player and what I’m capable of. Nervous isn’t the word. I’m kind of excited to see what happens and to get back to playing.”
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