Patrick Williams will enter the 2024 offseason as a restricted free agent. The deadline for members of the 2020 NBA Draft class to sign a rookie scale extension officially passed on Monday night – aka the night before the regular season tip-off. Williams joins other notable first-round picks like Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley, and Tyrese Maxey in missing out on a new deal.
The 2020 Draft Class that did not get extended:
2. James Wiseman (DET)
4. Patrick Williams (CHI)
7. Killian Hayes (DET)
8. Obi Toppin (IND)
13. Kira Lewis Jr. (NOP)
16. Chuma Okeke (2019) (ORL)
17. Aleksej Pokusevski (OKC)
19. Saddiq Bey (ATL)
20. Precious Achiuwa (TOR)
21.…— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) October 23, 2023
The Chicago Bulls and Williams will now have to revisit negotiations next summer. Arturas Karnisovas and his front office just went through a similar situation with Coby White, who went on to earn a new three-year deal after putting together his most promising season. The hope will surely be that Williams uses the failed negotiations as a similar motivation.
“Obviously, this is how I feed my family. Obviously, I want a big contract,” Williams told The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry at Monday’s practice prior to the deadline. “I think that’s what I’ve worked for. I think that’s what I’m worth. But whenever it comes, it comes … I got out and hoop and try to win games. And whatever comes with that comes with that. My main focus for now is really trying to get this team over the next hump and get myself over that hump.”
If Williams is able to break out, it’s possible the Chicago Bulls find themselves in a sticky situation next summer as opposing teams try to pry him away with a lucrative contract. But the Bulls will always have the option to match any offer sheet that comes his way. As long as Williams has a strong year, they should have no problem doing precisely that.
Speaking of which, this Williams news comes shortly after reports implied that the 22-year-old was seeking a lucrative extension that would net him upwards of $20 million a year. This will surely be the number he also has in mind for next summer, so I encourage you to read up on that recent news here …
Wait, Patrick Williams Reportedly Wants HOW MUCH Money?
