Fans clamoring for the Chicago Bulls to make some changes to their roster this offseason may be better off tempering their expectations. According to a recent report by Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, it seems likely that the Bulls will stick with their current core and re-sign both DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams.
More of the same
The most used term during Arturas Karnisovas’ regime as the Bulls’ chief basketball executive has been “continuity,” and from what experts surmise, the trend will continue this offseason.
“Running it back seems to be a theme for the 28-31 Bulls, a strategy that could continue this summer with DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams,” Swartz wrote.
DeRozan, who’s playing in the final year of the three-year pact he signed with the Bulls, has previously indicated he’s happy in Chicago and is willing to return if his representatives and the franchise come to a suitable agreement. Swartz explained that this may be best for the veteran wingman.
“DeRozan staying in Chicago is reasonable given his lack of fits among teams with cap space. Outside of the Philadelphia 76ers or Orlando Magic making a push for the former All-Star, DeRozan's best chance to get paid again could come from the Bulls,” Swartz continued.
Williams is a restricted free agent
On the other hand, Williams is a restricted free agent who had hoped to secure a hefty bag before foot surgery sidelined him for the remainder of the season. With this development in mind, it’s hard to envision another team paying big bucks for the former fourth-overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
“Williams is a restricted free agent, and it's tough to imagine any team throwing a big enough offer sheet that Chicago wouldn't match. While we're still waiting on a breakout season from the 22-year-old, the Bulls are likely banking on Williams simply being a late bloomer, a la Coby White,” Swartz remarked.
“Even though we were all expecting big changes after Chicago began the season 5-14, this Bulls roster could look quite similar next year as well.”
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