As the Chicago Bulls work to reshape their roster, finding a long-term solution at forward has become a priority. Patrick Williams hasn’t developed into the impact player many envisioned, prompting Chicago to potentially explore trade opportunities to upgrade at the wing.
While Jonathan Kuminga has frequently been linked to the Bulls in trade rumors, ESPN’s Chris Herring recently proposed an alternative idea that would involve RJ Barrett heading to Chicago from the Toronto Raptors.
Proposed Trade:
Bulls Receive: RJ Barrett
Raptors Receive: Patrick Williams, Jevon Carter, and the 12th pick in the 2025 draft
> “The Bulls would, in the 25-year-old Barrett, add another 20-point scorer to their young lineup and in doing so move on from Williams, the 2020 fourth overall pick who has regressed offensively after signing a five-year, $90 million deal,” Herring explained. “The upside for Chicago is that it should get far more nightly box-score production, especially in terms of scoring, from the Canadian southpaw, aiding the Bulls’ 20th-ranked offense.”
Barrett would provide the Bulls with a reliable scoring threat on the wing and help alleviate some of the offensive load currently carried by Coby White, who has led the team in scoring over the past two seasons. The trade would also help clear Williams’ contract from the books, a player who’s yet to lock down a consistent role under head coach Billy Donovan.
Tough Roster Decisions Loom
Dealing Williams might just be the beginning of broader changes in Chicago. Both Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu are approaching the final year of their current deals, and it’s unlikely the Bulls will retain both.
In a segment on the “Chicago Lead,” K.C. Johnson gave his take on the looming decisions:
> “From my seat they’ve got to try to look to trade either Ayo [Dosunmu] or Coby [White],” Johnson said. “I think it will be very hard to re-sign both of them after next year when they both hit unrestricted free agency. You’ve got to get out in front of things like that…And, you’ve got to make these hard decisions, because you’re not going to be re-signing Josh Giddey this summer, and Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White after next summer. I just don’t see that.”
While White has formed a promising backcourt partnership with Josh Giddey, there’s speculation that the Bulls could explore trade options involving White as well.
Chicago Must Be Cautious With Spending
Unless they make a bold move during the draft — like the Barrett trade proposed by Herring — the Bulls are expected to focus on retaining Giddey. However, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale cautions the Bulls against overpaying for the 22-year-old guard, who has been projected to land a $150 million contract.
> “Chicago has no reason to keep negotiating against itself,” Favale stated. “There is not going to be a market above the bigger mid-level exception of $14.1 million for the 22-year-old unless the Brooklyn Nets are feeling spicy. Just like last year with Patrick Williams, the Bulls hold all the cards. They folded in those previous negotiations anyway, giving Williams a five-year pact that has aged into one of the NBA’s least attractive contracts. They can’t afford to make the same (inexplicable) error with Giddey.”
With plenty of options available, the Bulls’ summer promises to be intriguing. Whether they make significant trades, retain key pieces, or make bold draft-night moves, there’s a growing sense that the front office is following a clear plan — and that gives fans a reason to look ahead with cautious optimism.
