Latest Wrinkle In The Patrick Williams Extension Debate

The Bulls' fourth-year forward has been the center of plenty of criticism in 2023 following a seemingly outlandish request regarding his contract extension. During the week that the rookie re-signings were due for his class, it was reported that Patrick Williams was seeking a number that began with a two and wasn't 20. For reference, only Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, and LaMelo Ball have earned that figure from his draft class, and each of those is a solidified star for their respective franchises. While the other three have All-Star appearances, a Rookie of the Year award, and are the leading scorers for their team, Williams is quite the opposite. His only accolade to this point is a Second-Team All-Rookie nod. What's transpired in December, and how does his case for an extension change?

Confidence and Execution

Williams has shown dramatic improvements with Zach LaVine sidelined, like several Chicago Bulls. Since LaVine's injury, the former Seminole has averaged 14 points, five rebounds, and two blocks plus steals per outing. He's also shot 52.2% from the field, 48.1% from three-point territory, and averaged 33 minutes per game. All these figures would be career-best marks for Williams across an entire season. Although it's only been nine games of a sample size, things are still trending in a good direction.

Following suit with his increase in production, Williams's confidence has noticeably improved. Constantly turning defense into offense, using the transition game to explode and show off his athleticism, and remaining active on defense and the boards have led the 22-year-old to his best month as a professional. Suppose he can turn a nine-game streak into the rest of the season. In that case, he'll rejoin the negotiation table with his best marks as an NBA player and, at only 22 years old, will undoubtedly receive contending offers as a restricted free agent this summer.

Similar Trajectory To Coby White

Coby White is an excellent example of what Williams can turn into, and he's taking a strangely similar career path. He was reasonably mediocre through his first three seasons, but he has grown into a role and improved in his fourth, and he will hopefully blossom in his fifth season. White received a three-year, $33 million extension this past summer, and although Williams will likely receive a more lucrative contract than that, look for his timeline to mirror White's.

Williams has remained steady in saying he's focused on the task at hand, is not concerned with contract talks yet, and just hopes to win. Chicago is 6-3 in their last nine without LaVine, and Williams's improvement has been one of the main drivers of their success. If the Bulls can creep above the .500 mark and reach the postseason, there's no denying that Williams would be offered an extension. His defense, three-point abilities, and young age make him a scary candidate to let walk in free agency. Lauri Markkanen taught Chicago that valuable lesson, who's since become an All-Star and Most Improved Player of the Year award winner since departing the Windy City.

Does a nine-game stretch change your opinion on Patrick Williams and a contract extension? How long does he need to sustain this level of play to earn his future with the Chicago Bulls?