Chicago Bulls Could Still Trade Away $90 Million Forward

The Bulls are undoubtedly open to trading Williams, as they have recognized their mistake in giving him a five-year contract worth $90 million. The 23-year-old forward has not shown any progression since being drafted fourth overall in 2020, and his time in Chicago is seemingly nearing an end.

Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley recently named Williams one of five NBA players under the age of 25 who already need to be traded.

"It doesn't take much imagination to see him comfortably and capably handling a three-and-D role, but that would still make him a massive disappointment in Chicago," Buckley wrote. "Even if fans are much more pessimistic about P-Will than the front office, they'd still like to see a better return on the franchise's significant investments in him."

Last season, Williams averaged 9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game with career-low shooting numbers, making just 39.7% of his shots from the field and 35.3% from three-point range. The five-year NBA veteran has been far from what the Bulls want out of him, but his trade value is at an all-time low.

"Get him away from the Bulls, and those expectations should be alleviated. Since he's almost certainly a negative trade asset at his point, rival clubs might be incentivized to take him off their hands. The weighty pressure to perform would be off his shoulders, and he may not be asked to do more than dig in defensively and shoot from distance—skills he has already showcased at this level," Buckley continued.

"He's a useful (albeit overpaid) player, but the Bulls clearly hoped he'd become so much more. With tempered expectations on a new team, he might solidify his niche as a solid support player, nothing more and nothing less."